Chapter 3

I didn't go home once in four years of college.

During my first winter break, Mom called. "Are you coming home for Christmas? Your dad misses you."

I told her I had signed up for the work-study program. I was working at the library over the break. I couldn't leave.

That was true.

The library paid 80 dollars a day. Over a whole winter break, I could earn nearly 2,000 dollars.

That was just enough to make back the 2,000 dollars Mom had given me.

During my first summer break, Mom called again. "Come home for a few days. Olivia…