My Daughter Thought I Was Too Soft

Real tears this time.

Not strategic ones.

“I don’t know how.”

The admission surprised both of us.

I nodded.

“I know.”

Her shoulders shook.

For several minutes, neither of us spoke.

Then I opened a drawer.

Inside was a folder.

Job listings.

Community college programs.

Budget worksheets.

Housing options.

Mia stared.

“What is this?”