think it’s important for us to, you know, stay in contact? And when I try calling you all weekend, you don’t even answer your phone!”

I thought back to the last couple days. It was a usual weekend for me: sucking down cigarettes, drinking alone, feverishly painting, and then trying to get all the grading done on Sunday night. My standard distractions.

“I was busy with work,” I said, “grading.”

Silvana sighed, “I guess I shouldn’t be so surprised,” she turned to face our mom, “You’ve always been this way – not caring. That’s why you still live in that awful neighborhood.”

“I’ve helped pay for her treatment,” I said.

“She doesn’t just need your money,” Silvana turned...

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