‘I’m sure,’ I said, taking a step further into the room. ‘I’d love to have a functioning fireplace, but unfortunately the one in our living room is closed up so the best we can do is light some pillar candles for ambience.’

‘Well that’s not so bad either,’ Rosie said.

On the end table next to the couch was a framed photo of two men. One was wearing navy shorts and a pale blue polo shirt but I didn’t recognize him. The other looked like a much younger Cris, wearing a purple college football jersey with UAlbany emblazoned in gold lettering across the front.

Pointing to it, I asked, ‘Is this Cris? He’s so young.’

Rosie looked at the photo and smiled. ‘Yes, that’s Cris and Frank. Cris played in college and Frank was so proud when he made the team. Frank played as well and eventually became a college football coach, you see, so he spent hours training Cris for tryouts.’ She paused, sadly looking at the photo for another second. Then she glanced over her shoulder and called out again, ‘Cris!’

‘I’m coming,’ he said, the footsteps nearing the stairs now.

I took one last look around the room as my uncle came down the stairs to meet us. I loved to read and hoped one day they would let me go through their generous collection and borrow some titles. Maybe I would sit in front of the fireplace with them one cold, winter day. We could drink hot chocolate and watch the snow fall outside, maybe even play a board game. The thought of having a second family had taken hold of me, despite what the FBI claimed. On top of the mantle there was a vase of flowers and a small Praying Virgin Mary figurine next to a framed photo of Rosie, Cris, and three large dogs. It made me smile.

When my uncle reached us at the foot of the stairs, he again only made eye contact for a split second and gave me a partial smile as he passed us on his way to the dining room.

‘Don’t mind him,’ Rosie said quietly, leaning in closer to me. ‘He can be a little quiet at first but once you get to know him, he really opens up. He’s had a bit of a stressful week, but well, I’m sure he’ll talk with you more later.’ She placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, and we followed him to the table.

I pushed my chair back from the table, folding my napkin and putting it on top of my plate. ‘Rosie, that was delicious.’