At first, when my father passed away unexpectedly, those creditors kept coming to the door, afraid they would run away. Later, they were a little relieved when they saw that they really didn't intend to escape the debt.
Because of the huge debt, my mother hadn't bought clothes for herself for years. Instead, she'd save a little from our already tight living expenses to buy us new clothes each season, especially since my brother grew every year and last year's clothes were too short and small this year.
"I'll save it for now. Your brother went with me to buy some clothes a few days ago. He entered a math competition during the holiday and won a little prize. Didn't you notice that the sheets and bedspread in your room are new? Gray chose them for you, saying they're a bit softer."
Ms. Yates smiled, feeling comforted for having such sensible children, yet heartbroken for the tough times they have endured with her.
