My father texted me, ‘To us, you’re already dead,’ and I only replied,

structures and once told me, after reviewing a particularly ugly partnership agreement, “People rarely steal from strangers first. They practice on family.” At the time, I had laughed politely. That night, I understood exactly what she meant.

She answered on the second ring.

“Valerie?”

“I need you awake.”

Her voice changed instantly.

“What happened?”

I forwarded continue reading …