engine. My father sat rigid in the front seat, his jaw tight, his hand gripping the wheel as though

and brushing mine, a quiet r

s from the party echoed in my ears.

he car door so hard the windows shook. He

pered, her voice trembling.

the night outside. My father paced the flo

"What have you done, Amara?" His

hard. "Pap

ur partners? Threw away the only ch

I whispered. "He doesn't love

t pay bills! Respect doesn't clear debts!" He slammed

's not fair, Papa! You're t

shaking finger at Daniel. "You don't know the weight I carr

n her eyes. She didn't defend me. Sh

"So you would sell me, Papa?

"Everything I have done, I have done for this family. And you-" He pointed

ence. My chest ached a

ck came at

one f

a black suit stepped inside, his presence fi

he said, addres

his anger softening i

im an envelope.

fr

eyes scanning the paper.

it?" Moth

e wants full repayment of t

nce was

at's impossible! H

Mr. Andrea sends his regards. He also says... ref

her covered her mouth with her

his face ashen. "Two weeks... t

left, his footsteps echoing through th

ne s

er's silent blame. My father's quiet despair. Ev

e party echoed in my m

new he meant