\u201cDad!\u201d I called. \u201cHave you seen my coffee can? The red one?\u201d<\/p>\n
He stepped out of the living room, looking tired, tie loose.\u00a0\u201cWhat coffee can?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
\u201cThe one under my bed,\u201d I said, my voice rising as I came downstairs. \u201cIt had my savings.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnybody seen my red coffee can?\u201d I shouted, hoping Linda or Hailey might answer.<\/p>\n
Linda appeared, as if waiting for her cue.\u00a0\u201cOh, that! I meant to tell you\u2014I borrowed it earlier.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
I froze. \u201cBorrowed?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFor the electric bill,\u201d<\/em>\u00a0she said smoothly.\u00a0\u201cWe had a gap in our budget. And your dad\u2019s commission check hasn\u2019t come in. You\u2019ll get it back.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
Dad frowned.\u00a0\u201cHow much was in there?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
\u201cThree hundred and twelve,\u201d I whispered.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/readmore.cx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_7148-300x75.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n