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

I had swept those scuffed linoleum floors since I was a boy.

It was the only real asset I owned free and clear.

I thought about Emma, packed off to a boarding program to keep her quiet.

“Draw up the pledge,” I said.

Carl hesitated.

“If we lose this motion, you lose the store,” Carl said.

“You’ll be completely broke at sixty-six.”

“Draw it up,” I said.