Everything, that nasty part of me whispers. And maybe that’s not wrong, either. How can I be a good mother when I’m such a shitty daughter? A shitty sister to the only sibling who’s ever given a damn about me?
“Apes. Stop. Seriously, I’m okay.”
That’s when I realize there are tears on my face. “I’m sorry, Charlie. I should’ve just given her the money.”
“No way. Not a chance in hell. That money’s yours. You earned it fair and square.”
“But Mom’s right: I don’t need it. Matvey—he’d probably cover the tuition if I asked. And with this new job, maybe I could…”
Charlie’s hands squeeze my shoulders. “No,” he says with an air of finality that’s way beyond his age. “If my dad knows what’s good for him, he’ll stop gambling. He’s not going to do that if someone’s footing the bill for him.”
“He
