I opened the sliding closet doors and reached up to the top shelf, pushing aside a stack of wire hangers.

The shelf was completely bare.

“It’s totally unfair,” Dustin said.

“I owe six thousand dollars on my premium credit cards just from basic lifestyle maintenance.

Dad acts like I’m trying to bankrupt the family.”

“Maybe you should apply for a second job at the mall.

Are they hiring for the holidays?” I asked.

Dustin scoffed and adjusted the brim of his cap.