“Say no more,” Malky interrupted. “We just closed on my mother’s house, I have maaser money. Tell me who to write the check to"

"Did you close yet?” Shani asked her mother. She took a deliberately casual sip of coffee.

“No, at the end of the week, I think,” Malky said, leaning back into the battered leather couch.

She could see Shani was itching to know more, but she didn’t have much to add.

“Uncle Yitzi is taking care of it, he’s the executor. Me and Aunt Layla just show up and sign things.”

“I hear,” Shani said.

Malky could see her daughter still had questions. She picked up a gummy bear and rolled it between her fingers before popping it into her mouth.

“Are you excited?” Shani blurted.

Malky shrugged. “A little. Not really.”

Shani’s eyes widened.

“I don’t plan on doing anything with the money.” Malky could see Shani’s finger’s twitch in self-control. She could tell her daughter, it wasn’t that interesting. “Tatty and I would like to retire soon. That’s all it’s for.”

“Oh.”

Shani seemed so disappointed, Malky scrambled for something that would satisfy her. “I’m looking forward to the maaser,” she said.

“Maaser?”

Shani’s voice rose. Good.

“Ten percent of 400,000 is 40,000. That’s a lot of money to give. And you know how much I love to give.” Malky smiled, then hid it behind a sip of coffee.

Shani laughed. “You’re the worst — well, best really — for others. I wish you’d do more for yourself.”

Malky smiled deeply. “Yeah, I can’t wait to give big. Like really feel like I’m making a difference.”

Malky saw Shani’s focus shift. Good.

“That’s beautiful, Ma. What organizations are you thinking of?”

Malky shrugged and frowned reflexively. “No organizations.”

“What do you mean?” Shani’s raised her eyebrows and pulled the I’m-so-chilled, I-don’t-care sip again.

Malky smirked. “I want to give to people. Like a meshulach collecting for himself, or if I hear of a kallah in need, or someone on the block struggling….”

Shani gave her the “oookay” look. “I hear. I dunno, I’d rather give to an organization. They vet, they’re more efficient, they have resources to offer.”

“Is it your money?” Malky interrupted.

“No.”

“Then keep your opinions to yourself.” She said it with a smile, and they both laughed.

“The men will be home in thirty seconds, we’d better get a move on Shalosh Seudos.” Malky peeled herself off the couch. Shani followed.

“Did I tell you we have an interview with Bnos Atara this week?” Shani said as she walked to the kitchen.

Malky clasped her hands in joy. “No! So exciting. You merited an interview. Not everyone gets that.”

Shani rolled her eyes, but she was proud; Malky knew her daughter well.