Lori opened her mouth to respond, but her mother was unstoppable.
"I know that we are not rich, but we are comfortable. If you need money, tell us, honey. We will find a solution. You don't need to work. Your place is to just focus on your studies."
"Mom—"
"I mean it, Lily. Your father and I didn't send you to that academy so you could spend your time filing papers. We sent you there so you could become a healer. A doctor. Someone who saves lives. The program there is so hard already…"
"Mom." Lori's voice was firmer this time, cutting through the flood of words. "It's not for the money."
Her mother paused. "It's not?"
Lori took a breath.
"I believe it would look great on my CV," she said, choosing her words carefully. "I know it's not medical work. But the prestige of working in the
