02/14/2025
I FORGOT TO LEAVE LUNCH MONEY FOR MY SON, BUT HE SAID, "DON'T WORRY, MOM – I'LL LOOK IN THE CEREAL BOX WHERE DAD HIDES IT." I was up before sunrise, already rushing to get to my second job. I've been slipping up on things lately, and it's starting to show. So, I'm halfway through my shift when my phone buzzes. It's my son. My heart drops — I totally forgot to leave him lunch money. "Mom, there's no money for lunch," he says. He's so patient, almost like he's used to it. I start apologizing, holding back tears because it's not just lunch — I'd been missing a lot lately, barely keeping us afloat. But then he surprises me. "It's okay, Mom. I'll check the cereal box where Dad hides it." I freeze. Dad hides money? In the cereal box? I thank him and end the call, but my mind races. As soon as my shift's over, I rush home. I dig through the cereal box, and there it is — an envelope stuffed with cash. Not just lunch money, but enough to solve most of our problems. By dinner, I've made up my mind. I casually mention we need money for car repairs, watching his reaction. He sighs, saying, "We'll have to wait. We don't have the money right now." He says it so smoothly like he believes it. Something snaps. I've been working like crazy while he's sitting on this stash? The next day, I made one call. ⬇️