She knew what was right. Steeling herself, she said, “I’m sorry, but I can’t. It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to do that”

ZeeZee’s head began to spin. “Hold on a second. Tickets? Next week? Mommy, what in the world are you talking about?”

Tammy coughed awkwardly as she stepped further inside. “I’m — um — here to check out this place. For a friend”

Raising her voice, ZeeZee said, “Y’know what we’re really missing in Shvilei? Real, honest discussion”

“What’s wrong is that I told her to cancel her enrollment at the university without telling her parents”

“Esti, I can’t ask Mommy for more money. But everyone’s going! Can I borrow $500 from you? I’ll pay you back, I promise”

“What’s wrong? Wait, did you already make plans with someone else?” She took a breath as unexpected hurt rose inside. “It’s okay, you can tell me”

"Yes, I got divorced recently. So what? Lots of people do, and their daughters don’t end up in the hospital from it”