I was at the board table when Evelyn made her final argument.
"The proposal before us is simple," she said. "We can approve a one-year trial with reduced operations, or we can begin the sale process now. The family parcel is not before this board, and the foundation should not depend on an asset that doesn't belong to it."
I sat across from her. My father was beside me. Willa and my mother were in the guest row, along with staff and residents who'd used the lodge. The room had never felt so small.
The board members took turns asking questions. They asked about staff reductions, safety inspections, maintenance costs, and the county contract. They asked whether the conservation group might withdraw its offer. They asked who would pay if the roof repair went over budget.
I answered what I
