My Sister Broke Into My Mansion

on Tuesdays. Tammy had cheer practice, then a boyfriend, then “I can’t handle hospitals.”

I picked up the cedar box.

Empty.

My thumb found the little brass latch and rubbed it until it hurt.

“Where’s the watch?”

Tammy said, “Derek.”

Derek said, “I was gonna get it back.”

Vernon turned his head. Slow.

Deputy Dodd said, “From where?”

Derek stared at the concrete.continue reading …