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Claire's cheeks grew pink. She knew it was torture for Mom to ask, and Claire was glad to help, but she hadn't expected such a large request. Still, bus routes weren't great here in the suburbs. Her mother needed the car to get to work and she definitely needed the anti-depressants. Mom lowered her head. "I'll get a paper route too. Pay you back." Claire felt a lump in her throat. Mom didn't have the energy for three jobs. "No, don't. I'll be fifteen next year. I'll get a job at the mall." She handed her mother the bank book, watched her read the balance and nod, as if she already knew the amount. "I'm so proud of you, honey." Her mother hugged her. Claire bit the inside of her mouth to keep her emotions in check. Her neck and shoulders grew prickly warm. Her mother spotted the rolls of coins and loose change on her dresser. "I should put something on the phone bill too." Acid roiled in Claire's stomach. Her hands clenched her grandmother's quilt. Every penny would be gone. Mom stood and picked up the rolls and loose coins. "I'll take this downstairs. Since tomorrow's Saturday, my shift doesn't start until noon. We'll go to the bank first thing in the morning." Claire attempted a smile. At the threshold, her mother turned around. "I'm so sorry about this, Claire." Claire shrugged. "No point in saving up if you can't help family."
When her mother left, tears slipped from between Claire's lashes.
As Claire wiped her eyes, she spotted a nickel on the carpet.
She slid off the bed and picked up the coin. She wrapped her hand
around the cool metal, placed it under Dad's note, then strolled
to the window. Gazing outside, she prayed this rainy day would
end soon. She'd lined up a lot of work tomorrow. * * * THE END * * *
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