Chapter 9 - The birthday envelopes
Rosie’s party doubled as a small donor gathering.
I had objected.
My mother said:
“People are already coming. Why not let them contribute?”
I gave in.
Guests who wanted could place checks or pledge cards into blue envelopes beside Anna’s photograph.
Not mandatory.
No fundraising speech during Rosie’s cake.
At least that was the agreement.
The envelopes went into a locked acrylic box.
Rosie knew what they were.
I had told her:
“People are giving money to help other kids whose moms or dads are sick.”
At some point during the party, Rosie wandered toward the study looking for crayons.
She saw Bethany carrying several blue envelopes.
Not unusual by itself.
Bethany ran the foundation.
Then Rosie saw her remove checks from two envelopes and put them into her black portfolio bag.
Rosie asked:
“Is that Mommy money?”
Bethany panicked.
May you like
That was where the bathroom incident began.
But the checks were only the surface.
