Chapter 17

Mr. Harrison set up a college fund in my name.
I refused.
He said it was restitution.
Alicia reviewed it.
Structured.
No control from him.
No strings.
Not charity.
Settlement.
I accepted after Lucia said, “Pride is expensive. Let justice pay tuition.”
I enrolled in community college for business administration.
Then hospitality management.
I learned payroll.
Contracts.
Employment law.
Worker protections.
Everything I wished I had known before living above someone’s garage.
Caleb helped me study math once.
He was very proud.
Emma made flashcards with glitter.
May you like
Less helpful.
More beautiful.