There Would Be Food Tomorrow

Then Mrs.

Ortega reviewed some other documents, and her frown deepened.

“Mr.

Vance,” she said carefully, “Maya has been enrolled in our subsidized low-income student program for years.” I was certain I had misheard.

“Low-income?” “Free lunch.

Subsidized supplies.

Fee waivers.

Transit passes.” I let out a nervous, disbelieving laugh.