For eight years, Carly cleaned Mrs. Whitaker’s house every Thursday. She knew every drawer, towel, and picture frame, but despite having a key, she always kept a careful professional distance. Mrs. Whitaker was kind and reliable, but Carly never considered them close friends. When Mrs. Whitaker announced she was moving closer to her daughter, Carly expected their relationship to end with the job.
After the final cleaning, however, Mrs. Whitaker asked Carly to return on Saturday without her cleaning supplies. “I’m asking you to visit, Carly,” she said. Curious, Carly arrived wearing her good blouse and carrying a box of cookies. She assumed Mrs. Whitaker wanted to give her some old dishes or clothing, so she had even cleared space in her car.
Instead, Mrs. Whitaker showed her a box filled with family cards, letters, and photographs. Carly was shocked to discover that her name appeared repeatedly throughout them. Mrs. Whitaker’s daughter knew about Willa, Carly’s daughter, and even knew which day Carly came to clean.
