“Where are you? My kids are hungry, and the table still isn’t cleared!” my sister demanded on my birthday, as if cooking, cleaning, and caring for her children were automatically my responsibility. – Welcome

pay.

Mom looked between us.

I said, “Okay.”

Dad almost seemed offended that I accepted his answer so quickly.

I had $4,700 saved from summer jobs.

The university had already offered work-study.

I could request more aid and take a modest federal student loan if necessary.

It would be harder.

But it was possible.

That afternoon, Elliot texted.

***My dad and I continue reading …