Emma Signed Over Her Kitchen Island to Keep Toby Safe in Massachusetts

and glistening under the recessed lights of the ceiling.

Daniel’s signature was clear, his middle initial bold and distinct.

I carried the document into the dim light of the living room, sitting on the edge of the sofa near the window.

The oak leaves outside scraped against the glass, a dry, papery sound in the autumn night.

I held the paper by its corners,continue reading …