2
Taking a deep breath, I walked home, the sun
warm on my face.
Our town was backward. We owned a small
convenience store, but online shopping was
killing our business. Only neighbors bought
essentials.
Mom was checking out a customer when I
arrived.
“Where have you been? I raised you, and you
can’t even help in the store? School’s a
waste. Drop out tomorrow.
“”
I stubbornly met her gaze. “I won’t drop out.
I’m going to finish high school and go to
Г
college.”
My brother emerged, mocking, “Hilarious!
Your average high school will get you a third-
tier college at best. A complete waste of
money.”
Mom agreed. “You’re young, easy to employ.
By the time you graduate, you’ll be twenty-
two, twenty–three. Too old for anyone to
hire.‘
“”
I’d fallen for their lies before, but now I knew
a college degree was crucial, even a
community college.
Sixteen- or seventeen–year–olds struggle to
find decent work. I wouldn’t have followed
Kevin if I’d known better.
“Shut up, you don’t understand! I got into the
best high school in the city, but my parents
forced me to attend another school for a
$20,000 scholarship.” My brother, even with
extra points, wouldn’t have qualified.
く
He was surprised, but unconcerned. “I didn’t
get the money, so why are you yelling at
me?”
I tried to question the scholarship money, but
Dad interrupted.
“Stop it. The money’s gone. I’m a failure; I
can’t support you.”
Leaning against the doorframe, his shoulders
slumped, his face etched with worry and
bitterness. He’d been hiding, only speaking up
when his son was involved.
“$20,000 gone in a year? Dad, I’m not
stupid.” The money was likely meant to fund
my brother’s better high school. But it wasn’t
enough, so they pushed me to work.
A customer, having overheard everything, stepped in. “That’s not right, Lee. You should
let your daughter attend the best high school.
The best high school in the city, eh? My son’d
make me jump for joy if he got in.”
<
Dad’s face tightened. “Girls do well in middle
school because the tests are easy. In high
school, she’s fallen behind. She’s not even in
the top ten of her grade. She won’t get into a
decent college.” He was twisting the truth, as
the school was known for its poor academic
performance, its principal despite his
investment in enrolling high–achieving
students.
The customer didn’t notice the deception.
“Girls usually struggle in high school. My son
was terrible in middle school, but he
blossomed in high school. He’s in the honors
program now. My daughter’s grades are
dropping.”
My hope dimmed. It was useless.
School started tomorrow; it was too late to
find a job.
Then, the customer changed his tune,
speaking earnestly. “She needs to go to
Г
school. Girls without an education are
vulnerable, and you can’t protect her. If she
gets into trouble, it will affect your son.” He
gave examples of how sons suffered
repercussions due to their family’s actions.
My eyes widened.
Mom was furious, slamming the cash register.
“She dares! If she does something wrong, I’ll
disown her.”
“Blood is thicker than water. Besides, the law
doesn’t recognize disowning siblings.”
He glanced at me before leaving.
After a long silence, Dad spoke. “Let’s
borrow the money. She needs to finish high
school.”
“Borrow money? Who would lend to us?”
Mom glared at me, but she didn’t mention
dropping out again.
I almost cried. Why hadn’t I come home
earlier? Why hadn’t I met this man sooner?
