total beside it.

Mom’s expression shifted.

Then the utility statements.

Then the calendar.

I hadn’t assigned money to childcare.

Instead, I marked work interruptions and canceled plans.

Dad slowly turned through the pages.

Mom sat down.

“This is… a lot.”

Fiona looked at her.

“Whose side are you on?”

That sentence told me everything.

Sides.

Not facts.

Not responsibility.continue reading …