MY SON DEMANDED $20,000 FOR HIS WEDDING

already belonged to him.

“We’ve started planning. We’re going to need twenty thousand dollars.”

It’s strange how fast a number can cool a room.

Patricia started listing things in that calm, rehearsed voice people use when they’ve already decided you’ll say yes. Venue. Catering. Flowers. Deposits. Their dream. Their moment.

Their assumption.

So I lied. I continue reading …