Huh! Is that really the real issue here? Young Master Hanson, the problem is everything you eat is too expensive!
Before I could say anything, Mark suddenly grabbed my hand. "This is the last time, okay? I’ve been staying up late and working diligently on my paintings. Things have been hard for me."
I looked down at my hand, trapped in his grip and against my better judgment, I relented. "Alright."
After a moment, I added, "However, I need you to be careful with the money from now on. Things aren't like they used to be. We are broke and you should remember that rent money can't be used. It’s unnegotiable."
"Okay … okay. I know. You don't have to nag me about it." After he said that, he turned and walked away.
I talked again, "Mark, my part-time job can't cover our expenses any longer. Maybe we should …."
Mark suddenly turned around and cut out my words, "No! Absolutely not! Don't ever think about it! I'm not going back!"
I was stunned. All I wanted to do was to suggest that he should not be so picky with his painting's buyers and maybe sell some of his paintings at a lower price.