d our life, flashed through my mind. The irony was a punch to the gut. Here I was, pu

, loud and grating, c

y son' s hard-earned mone

face a mask of indignation. She was a woman who believ

ing way above your means, and for wha

outs of Zelle transfers. Tiny amounts. Twenty

his poor mother out, while you drain his accoun

into our joint life, into supporting Mark. He was painting himself as the provider to his mother

e smile, glided past. "O

silk dress – my one truly expensive designer piece, a gift to mysel

No one offered a napkin. No one met my eye. It was as if I'

ine and shame clinging to me. I felt utterly drained, my legs weak. The noise

home, to crawl int

a blur. I found Leo in his room, a brand-new VR hea

egan, my vo

ile vanishing when he saw me. Or

ened to yo

our day?" I tried for a

back to his game. "Fine. Dad

ark "surprised" him with i

we talk fo

e adult nonsense. "What? You' re always working and stressed

e. Tiffany. Wh