The Names

by Florence Knapp

Cora wants to say it matters because sometimes big men feel small inside. Because some people—like Gordon’s father—travel through life believing themselves so far beyond improvement, they come to think their children, and their children’s children, should all be made in their name.

Isn’t she just teaching her daughter that keeping the peace is more important than doing what’s right?

Bear could glide effortlessly across the unseen lines that define most children’s school days.