At home, Norma’s reaction was cruel. “Two babies?” she exclaimed sharply. “Double expenses, double trouble.” Renee gasped dramatically. “Wow, you two can barely handle rent.”

That night, Darren was silent. “Maybe Mom’s right,” he finally said. “Maybe you should slow down on this online stuff. We can’t risk anything.”

“Darren, this shop is helping us,” I said softly. But he wouldn’t meet my eyes.

The divide grew. Norma’s criticisms came through Darren. Renee mocked me vaguely on social media. I refused to break. I started saving small amounts from each Etsy sale secretly, hiding cash in an envelope inside my journal. Something told me I’d need it.