On the drive home, Selena asked whether I thought the money would all be restored before college.

I told her it was possible if Gavin fulfilled the agreement, but that we would continue preparing other options regardless.

She nodded and turned the conversation to a new sensor she wanted to buy with birthday money.

The change of subject made me smile.

Financial responsibility had become one part of our planning rather than the only topic in our lives.

At home, I found an old receipt tucked into a cookbook.