Two weeks after I gave birth by myself, my mother sent me a message: “I need $2,600 to buy new iPhones for your sister’s kids. Christmas is important for them.”

I had slowly saved money there.

$3,847.

Every spare dollar. Every birthday check my grandmother had given me before she passed away.

It was supposed to cover hospital bills, diapers, and baby supplies.

Then labor started on a Tuesday night.

I called my mother 17 times.

She never answered.

I called my father.
Voicemail.

I called Lauren.
She texted back: “Can’t talk. The kids have school tomorrow.”

Jesse was in Denver for work.