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iora I’ve been meaning to ask you all morning where did you buy that adorable outfit?” her best friend Goldy asked during their lunch break at Beis Malka High School. My piece of cheese sandwich rested at the entrance to my esophagus as I waited intently for her reply. 

Some people get what they want when they want I thought.

“Suri why aren’t you eating?” Devora asked me.

“I’m not hungry.” And with all the stress in my life it’s no wonder I wasn’t hungry.

At 5 p.m. our ninth-grade class was finally dismissed. As we waited for the bus Goldy studied the fliers advertising Bais Rochel’s upcoming play.

“We can’t miss this one can we?” she asked Liora rhetorically.

“No way! It’s supposed to be fabs!”

“Wow they’re charging $50 this year!” Devora exclaimed.

“No big deal it says you can use maaser money for it” replied Goldy as she redid her pony.

Yeah and what if you already used up your maaser for next five months? I don’t care how hard it is for Mom and Dad financially this time they have to allow me to go! I never get to go anywhere special! 

“Suri sweetie I’m sorry but there’s no way we can afford any extras at the moment.”

“But Ma…”

“I know it’s hard but setting aside money for plays right now is totally out of the question. You are aware that your older sister Chaya got married last year and Dovie’s bar mitzvah was three months ago?”

“But Ma still…”

“Look baruch Hashem we have food on the table and clothing to wear.”

“Clothing?! I’ve been wearing this outfit so often; the design is getting all rubbed out! And look it barely fits!” I stood up angrily.