"Your dad and I are getting old, and our health is failing. In a few years your brother will need money for his wedding. As the eldest, how can you only think about yourself instead of this family?"
"Call your boss right now. Tell him you had a moment of confusion and you can come back immediately."
Dad went further—he kicked the liquor bottle by the table's edge, shattering it. Glass scattered across the floor.
"You damn girl! Making trouble for me on New Year's! Everything I say goes in one ear and out the other, huh?"
"I'm warning you—don't think anyone's going to support you if you don't work. I don't have savings for you to leech off."
"Every penny in this house goes to your brother! Trash like you isn't worthy of spending my money!"
My heart went cold. My nails dug into my palms.
A year and a half ago, the company hit hard times and an executive was brought in to oversee mass layoffs.
I was called into his office for a talk. Midway through, he sat down beside me. His hand landed on my thigh and traced a slow line across it.
"Alex Gilbert. I've reviewed your file. Mediocre education, average performance, no family connections."