“I’m talking about taking care of my widowed mother.”

I adjusted my silver wristwatch, feeling the cold edge of the metal band against my skin.

“Ben needs new shoes for track tryouts on Monday,” I said.

“They cost thirty-five dollars at the shoe store downtown.”

Mark zipped his duffel bag closed in one long, steady pull.

“Money is tight for every family in this county right now, Nora,” Mark said.

“Ben can wear his old shoes another week or two without any harm.”