My mother left me hungry and lonely at 16. When my…

Her tan seemed to turn gray, and the perfect makeup suddenly looked like paint on a cracking wall. She knew. Deep down, she knew what was coming.

Marvin cleared his throat and began to read the addendum aloud. “I, Elliot Sawyer, being of sound mind and judgment, hereby enact the following clause regarding the distribution of my estate. This clause is triggered solely by the presence of my sister Paula Sawyer at the reading of my will.

Her presence confirms that she has not respected the boundaries established 18 years ago and is seeking financial gain from my death. Therefore, the following conditions are now in effect.”

Marvin paused. He looked up over the rim of his glasses.

Paula was not smiling anymore. She was staring at the paper in Marvin’s hands with the look of someone watching a grenade roll into the room. “What is that?” Paula whispered.

Her voice was trembling. Marvin turned the page to reveal a second document attached to the back. “It is a sworn statement,” Marvin explained calmly.