The Envelope That Changed Everything

doing.”

“You thought money would protect you,” I said quietly.

He flinched. “I thought it would make things easier.”

I nodded. “So did I. For a long time.”

Silence stretched between us, heavy but not hostile.

“I’m not here to ask for money,” he said at last. His voice shook. “I know you won’t give it. I’m here because I can’t sleep. Because every time I continue reading …