Chapter 17

As the afternoon classes come to an end, my anxiety has just risen and risen. I'll get the money today from Ryle. That means tomorrow is when Mom will get her spinal cord surgery. I'm joyful knowing that she's recovering one step at a time. I saw that this day would come . . . but not this sooner. Thank you, God. Thank you, universe. Thank you time and fate. On the other hand, this also means I have now to repay Ryle for the money. I have to spend a night with him. Am I ready yet? Honestly, not really. I've told myself since this morning that I can do this, but that seems to be a blur as seconds dramatically fly into nonexistence. I wish I could just requite with money, but that would be another burden to carry and I'll never have that kind of number in a month or two. It'll take me more or less half of a year to wholly recompense him.

I go out through the school gates and cross the street and then head to Aunt Hilda's block. I'm sort of proud of what I've done to endure sa