A Life Built on Their Lies

parents announced th

said, avoiding my eyes. "It' s a foll

into my hand. "Here, sweetie. For grocerie

It was pocket change to them, a fortu

steady. "I was thinking of visiting Grandma and

derful idea! They' ll be so happy to s

y lore, were retired factory workers living on a meager pension. Their ho

w. My grandmother enveloped me in a hug that smelled of lavender an

back, his smile warm.

the faded floral wallpaper, the smell of boiled cabbag

s cuff. I recognized the brand-a Rolex. It was subtle, but it was there. My grandmother' s hands,

es from a generic store-brand tin. Then, my gr

A little something

y deposit it into my savings account, the one I

e was di

afternoon, with my mom still there, I ma

to my mother. "I think I' ll use the money G

ly? Are you sure, honey? You'

I said with a shrug, t

he spirit!" my grandfather said. "A

ays thinking of us. She never asks for anything. She got into col

dependence; they were relieved by it. My "tough love" upbring

, I knew. The beef was Wagyu, meltingly tender. The carrots were from an expensive organic farm.

isy was su

said, her expression turning serious. "There' s an issue with the

urse,"

ng small talk until my grandparents s

, standing up. "I should get

oor, their faces a perfect mask

' t head for the bus stop. I hid in the