"If I just took away your video games, you would accept it and not complain. But now, I tell you no going out, and you complain. So clearly, this punishment is the one that truly impacts you."

"I..." I sighed. "This isn't about me. I just don't want to let her down."

"Let her down? She is failing. Her education let her down. She let herself down!" She laughed derisively. "Her success is not your responsibility, Quinn."

"But I... care about her success. Just because it's not my responsibility doesn't mean I don't want to help." I shuffled my feet as I stood.

Mother turned to me. "You have feelings...