Chapter 2

Panic flashed across their faces, but they masked it in a split second.

Guilt filled their eyes, and my mom's eyes turned red.

"Ethan, it's our fault. We made you suffer so much."

"We... we failed you."

My mom started sobbing, and my dad comforted her with red eyes.

In the past, I would have comforted them like a mature adult, telling them that once I graduated from college, we would have a better life.

But now, I just sat there in silence. Even if I graduated and worked for ten years, I probably couldn't even afford one tire of that Rolls-Royce.

Seeing that I wasn't comforting them, they stopped acting.

My dad cleared his throat, put on a warm smile, and took over my usual role.

"Well, we might be poor, but we have a great son. Ethan got into NYU! Once he graduates, our family will be set."

He was going to be disappointed. Even if I worked for ten years, I couldn't afford that lifestyle.

My mom wiped her tears and smiled. "I can't wait to live the good life."

Hearing this, I bit my lip and finally asked, "Mom, Dad, I still don't have enough for the enrollment deposit. I'm short $800."

"Can you... help me out?"

My heart pounded. This was the first time I had ever asked them for money.

I had saved enough from my construction job, but my coworkers stole it, and the police couldn't find them.

College was my only ticket out. I couldn't lose it.

For something this important, they would surely give me the money, right?

I looked at them with hope.

Hesitation flashed across my dad's face, but it quickly disappeared. He sighed.

"Ethan, can you find another way? Maybe borrow it from a classmate?"

"You know our situation. Your mom's surgery cost us a fortune, and we're still in debt. We really don't have $800."

My mom's eyes went red again. She lowered her head.

"It's all my fault. I'm dragging this family down. If Ethan can't go to college because of me, I'd rather just die!"

Her words felt like a bucket of ice water poured over my head.

My entire body went numb.

I looked at the white sneakers on the floor. Those shoes alone probably cost more than $800.

In that moment, I realized Ryan wasn't just stepping on those shoes—he was stepping on me.

They knew how much college meant to me, yet they were so stingy.

I forced a smile and looked down. "Okay. I'll ask a classmate."

I climbed back into bed and pulled up the blanket.

My parents exchanged a look. Finally, my mom walked over, forced a smile, and said, "Son, don't be sad. Today is your birthday! We'll make you a great dinner tonight."

My dad walked over too, grabbing my hand. "You've been wanting that smoked brisket, right? I'll slice it up for you tonight."

I nodded. Their faces lit up with joy.

Just then, my dad's phone rang. He suddenly looked very tense.

I glanced at the screen. The caller ID said: "Baby Boy".

It must be Ryan.

Must be nice to have a phone. I didn't even have one.

"Ethan, get some rest. We'll take this call outside."

My parents, who were just showing me so much love, walked out together. To make sure I didn't overhear, they went all the way to the yard.

But they forgot one thing in their rush—I had excellent hearing. I could hear them perfectly from this distance.

I peeked through the door crack.

My dad frowned, keeping his voice low. "Didn't we tell you to text us? What if your brother finds out?"

Ryan's whiny voice came through the receiver:

"Dad, Mom, I cut my finger today. It hurts so much~"

"Can you guys come home and stay with me tonight?"

My parents looked at each other, then back at our front door, hesitating.

Ryan's voice dropped. "I guess I'm just not as important as Ethan. ‘Sniff’..."

My parents immediately panicked. "Of course not! Your brother can't even compare to a single hair on your head."

"Yeah, sweetie. You're our favorite."

Hearing this, Ryan cheered up. "I knew you loved me most! I'll be waiting at home!"

He hung up.

My parents headed back inside.

I quietly climbed back into bed. Maybe because of the cold, I started coughing.

Hearing me, they rushed in with worried faces and patted my back.

That evening, they made a feast, including the smoked brisket I loved.

But they were dressed up, ready to go out.

"Ethan, we just got a call for a quick gig. We can make $200 tonight."

"That means you'll only need $600 for school. We're sorry we can't spend your birthday night with you."

I coughed, nodded, and smiled as I ate a piece of brisket.

My parents looked relieved, walked out, and gently shut the door.

I chewed the dry, salty meat, my smile turning into tears that dripped into my bowl.

What was I expecting?

I was never their favorite child.

Under the cover of night, I walked over to our neighbor's house and borrowed his phone to call the military recruiter who had been trying to reach me.

"Sergeant Carter, if I join the Army's Closed Training Program... will my college tuition really be fully covered?"