The morning sun painted Brooklyn in a warm, golden hue, casting long rays through the windows of Katherine and Carolina’s apartments for the last time. The sound of a truck engine rumbled through the street as one large moving truck parked in front of their building. Mover men were already at work, hauling boxes, carefully rolling up rugs, and disassembling furniture.

Katherine stood on the sidewalk in her favorite faded jeans and a loose blouse, her hair tied in a messy bun. She stood by ...