My Nephew Threw My Purse in the Pool—By Morning, My Brother’s Car Was Gone

when eviction went through. The school didn’t take the kids back. Tessa picked up a part-time job. Josh lost his position at the auto parts store.

My mother sent cautiously worded texts about “family dinners” that never materialized. My father sent Hannah a birthday card with fifty dollars and no mention of anything else.

I didn’t attend Christmas. I continue reading …