As much as I hate him, it still crushes me to know that the only value I have to my own biological father is in how much cash I can give him. I break down fully, howling and falling to pieces. I can’t breathe; this pain is too much and now, to top it off, I’ll be fired for sure. It’s the only worthwhile thing in my life, and I go and do something that is sure to get me dismissed.

Blinded by tears, all logic gone, I pull my cell out of my jacket. Without thinking, I dial Jake’s number with shaking fingertips, tears coursing down my face, my...