My Father Mocked Me for Coming to Court Without a Lawyer, But the Judge Opened My File and the Whole Room Went Silent

Knox grew stiffer in the mornings. I bought a better bed for him and started adding broth to his food because it made him happy and because old dogs earn that kind of attention.

In January, my father called.

I answered on the fourth ring.

“Emily.”

“Yes.”

A pause. “I found some of your letters.”

I sat down at the kitchen table.

“What letters?”

“The ones you continue reading …