Chapter 24 - The kitchen wall
I considered selling the house.
Again:
Big decision.
Emotion.
Miriam said:
“Do you like the house?”
“I used to.”
“Does Ellie?”
“Yes.”
“Then wait.”
We waited.
The old service corridor could not remain as it was.
Building inspector found several code issues unrelated to Nora.
Poor egress.
Old wiring.
Unsealed utility penetrations.
We renovated.
Not to erase history.
For safety.
The narrow corridor was opened into a proper mechanical-access room and pantry extension.
The floor vent disappeared because the wall came down.
For weeks Ellie was upset.
“Nora hole gone.”
“Yes.”
“What if someone need bread?”
“No one will live behind that wall again.”
“How know?”
“Because there is no behind.”
She studied the open pantry.
Construction had turned secret architecture into visible space.
That was useful symbolism even if I did not intend it.
We installed shelves.
Food.
Cereal.
Pasta.
Bread basket.
No lock.
When the work finished, Ellie stood where the vent had been.
She stomped once.
“Solid.”
“Yes.”
Then asked for crackers.
May you like
Life.
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