Seven million dollars.
Money meant for me.
Money that could have changed my life.
Money that could have paid for Emma’s school.
A home.
Security.
A future.
Instead, I had worked double shifts at a diner.
Counted grocery dollars.
Skipped meals so my daughter could eat better.
All while my father pretended nothing existed.
Emma tugged on my sleeve.
“Mommy?”
I looked down.
She smiled.
A small, innocent smile.
