“A separate account in your name. No card attached. No investment decision until you have independent advice and enough cognitive energy to choose.”
“You won’t use it for the yard?”
“No.”
“You need equipment.”
“The business claim covers business losses.”
“What about the mortgage?”
“Covered.”
“The apartment modifications?”
“Already paid.”
He studied me.
“You don’t think it’s ours.”
“It is yours.”
“We’re partners.”
“Yes.”
“I would help you.”
“And someday you may choose to. I will not assume.”
His face softened slightly.
“I don’t want it.”
“You do not have to want it today.”
“What if I spend it badly?”
“We slow every decision.”
“What if people find out?”
“We tell no one who doesn’t need to know.”
“What if I forget?”
“I write it in the journal and the bank sends statements.”
A tired smile appeared.
“You always have an answer.”
“No.”
“You do for me.”
“I have answers for the next ten minutes. That is different.”
