a masterclass in p

f her catching a chill, of any discomfort worsening he

and straight to the city bus stop. The No

ined, pulling her thin sweater tighter. "A

ight smile. A yellow cab was just pul

her. The ride was tense, with her shooting me confused, angry glances. W

8.5

mother, my smil

r the driver to hear clearly. "This can come out of the mone

fumbled in her purse, her hands shaking with rage, and slappe

house, the golden child himsel

gh school dropout whose only ambition was to become a SoundCloud rapper, he was

s around her. It was a practiced, dramatic display. "

ommy's okay. And don't you worry, everything I have, this hou

over his shoulder. I just sta

oice from his room. The door was ajar. He was on a Discord call with his fr

id I'm getting the house and all her cash. Soon as she kicks it, I'm buying us all the

ettled in my gut like a stone. Nothing had chan