They Told Me to Skip the Reunion. When They Arrived at the Nantucket Mansion, the Concierge Asked One Question.

Not once did anyone mention my absence.

“Who put all these books in this room?” my mother’s voice drifted from the library. “It’s a bit much. This could have been another entertainment space.”

“Some of these are valuable first editions,” my father responded in his asset-assessment tone. “Smart investment by the owner.”

By late afternoon, they’d fully continue reading …