For Seven Years I Sent Forty Thousand Dollars Every January, Until Emma Finally Spoke

Emma pushed a piece of carrot around her plate.

She didn’t eat it.

After the meal, Eleanor got up to clear the dishes.

I offered to help, but she waved me away.

“Take Mark into the living room,” Eleanor said.

“You two sit and talk.

I’ll handle the kitchen.”

Mark and I went into the living room.