“I do not have that kind of cash on hand,” Father said. “It is tied up in the properties.”

“Then you will have to sell them,” I said.

Mother looked at Father, her eyes wide with terror.

“Richard, do it,” she pleaded. “Do what she wants.”

“If I sell the properties now, we lose everything,” Father said.

“Then you lose everything,” I said.

Chloe was still shaking, her eyes fixed on the shattered glass at her feet.

“She’s right,” Chloe whispered. “Give it to her.”

Father looked at Chloe, his expression hardening again.

“You do not understand how the world works, Chloe,” Father said. “You think you can survive on moral superiority?”

“I would rather starve than live in this house another day,” Chloe said.

She looked at me, her expression a mix of shame and longing.

“I am sorry, Maya,” Chloe said. “I am so sorry.”

“It was not your fault, Chloe,” I said.

“I should have asked,” Chloe said, her voice cracking. “I should have looked closer.”

She turned and ran toward the house, the sliding glass doors banging shut behind her.