The metal caught the afternoon sun.

“Times are a bit tight this month,” Mark said.

“The forty thousand dollars in January barely covers her private schooling in Oakridge.”

He looked toward his car and let out a long breath.

“Raising a child alone on one income is a heavy burden,” he said.

“Laura would want her in warm boots,” I said.

Mark adjusted his gold wristwatch a second time.

“I’ll take care of the footwear, Arthur,” he said.