Walking up the steps to Braxton’s home without him is odd. I’m looking at the house with a new perspective this time, as if there’s a chance this is where I will live--from now on. It’s hard to imagine. It’s hard to believe I could be calling this place home. Braxton makes it seem like it is as simple as me making up my mind that this is what I want, and I can have it, but I have to wonder if it’s really that simple.

I am greeted by Susan, one of the servants. She is ...