The porch light blinked three times before June could reach the steps. Her brother Eli stood by the rail with a folder in his hand and a key to a small apartment in his pocket.
Their mother, Ruth, watched from the doorway. She had lived in the house for forty years. Her neighbors knew when she needed a ride, and she knew which child on the block had lost a glove.
Eli had found an apartment near him. A helper could come each morning. The rent could take most of Ruth's check, but the house could pay for the move. June could keep visiting. Eli said the plan could give their mother safer daily help and less work for the family.
Ruth shook her head. 'I can stay here,' she said. 'I know this street.'
June looked at the porch rail. One board had split. The steps needed a new light. The work could be fixed, but June and Eli had to share the calls, rides, and small jobs.
Eli opened the folder. It showed the apartment, the cost, and a list of morning visits. 'I can handle the first month,' he said. 'After that, we can make a plan.'
Ruth touched the house key. Her friends were close. She could walk to the market and sit on the bench near the mail box. Moving could give her more daily help, but it could take her from the place where her life still felt like hers.
June knew staying could keep Ruth's days familiar. It could also leave more work for two tired children. A move could give the family a clear plan. It could also ask Ruth to give up her street.
The porch light blinked again. Eli placed the apartment key beside the old house key.
'You pick,' he said.
June looked at Ruth. Ruth looked at the two keys. June reached for the choice card on the step.