“You have your military pension!” Chloe cried, stepping between me and Greg. “And your disability back-pay! You have savings, Sarah! You’re the only one who can fix this.

You can write a check today and make them go away. Please. For the family.”

I looked at the three of them and saw the familiar expectation in their eyes. The assumption that once again Sarah would fall on the grenade. Sarah would take the hit.

Sarah would bleed so they wouldn’t have to sweat.

I looked at Greg. “If I pay this, what happens next year? When you find another investment? Another poker game?”

“I swear to God, Sarah, I’ll never touch a card again. I’ll pay you back every cent. Just save my life,” he begged, tears streaming.