I locked my wife in the pantry under the stairs

my conviction for unlawful confinement results in probation, mandated counseling, and a record I deserve.

I sign every paper.

I attend every session.

I do not ask Emily to call it enough.

Enough is not mine to define.

For a long time, we live separately. I visit Nora under Emily’s terms. I learn how to ask before touching, how to leave when asked, how not continue reading …