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

“It’s only November,” I said.

“Write it and date it December fifteenth,” she said.

“You’re going to take it to the bank on Monday.

You’re going to sign the transfer release early to prove we support him.

Then you’re going to apologize to that boy before we lose Emma forever.”

I looked at the blue leather cover on the table.

I looked at my wife standing over me with her arms crossed.

“I can’t do that,” I said.