hram didn't turn on the lights. The streetlamp outsid

hung there in a cheap plastic frame. Erlene

he nail, and dropped it into the trash c

ush, and a small wooden box containing his mother's ring. Th

pers sat on th

lock clicked. T

e was alone. She fli

up the bag. She blinked, surprised. Sh

ready?" she asked. He

at her. "Isn't th

w the signature on the papers. Her

out your grandmo

He turned to face her. His eyes were b

t want it to be like this! You just... you never tried, Ephr

't yell back. He just watch

houted, her voice rising to a screec

the door. "I ho

ked, panic edging into her voice

ey Andrew had given her, claiming it was pocket change. It

t. "Take it. Don't sleep on the

the money. He l

oulder brushed hers, hard.

The bills fluttered to

turning around. "You're going t

r slamm

or. She felt a sudden, sharp pang in her chest. She knel

he whispered to the empty ro