Thomas and I had lived modestly, saved steadily, and postponed pleasures.

I had allowed Daniel to spend the flexibility our sacrifices created.

I felt angry at him, then angry at myself, then simply tired.

Teresa asked what I wanted to do with the money I no longer planned to transfer.

I almost laughed.

Nobody had asked me that question in years.

After some thought I told her I wanted to repair my roof, visit the coast where Thomas and I honeymooned, and perhaps fund a small annual educational gift for the grandchildren when they were older, structured so it did not depend on their parents’ spending choices.

Teresa said we could explore suitable arrangements later, without committing prematurely.