Three Green Notebooks Left in a Cedar Chest on Elm Street

a dollar amount, some fifty, some two hundred.

“Everyone on Elm Street has given something for the winter coat drive,” Gale said.

I cleared my throat, the sound dry in the quiet booth, and adjusted my glasses. “Arthur is not on here,” I said, pointing to the empty space under the letter A.

“Exactly,” Gale said, leaning closer until I could smell her lavender continue reading …