My sister forewarned me that she wasn’t in the mood to cook. When I walk in the door the first thing that hits me is the smell. It’s like the bottom of a trash can. I remember then that I promised to get a housekeeper in here and I pause to grab my phone and tap out a text to my secretary. She should still be in the office. Veronica, get a housekeeper scheduled to come to my sister’s place in Brooklyn 3x a week starting tomorrow. Bill it to the office. I close my phone and slide it into my pocket. Problem solved. “Jana, where are you?” I call out, cocking an ear to listen for the answer. I get nothing. Grabbing clothing and toys as I walk up the stairs, I follow my nose. It leads me into Cassie’s room and a plastic garbage pail overloaded with dirty diapers. Snagging it, I hold it at arm’s length and leave the room. I pass by three other bedrooms and find them all empty, all a shambles.
