***
That morning, I’d stood at the kitchen counter, mixing ground pork into the beef so the burgers would stretch far enough.
Every Fourth of July, I hosted our family barbecue.
This year, I counted every dollar. My part-time office job helped, but not enough.
Michael had spent months saying the business was struggling, so I cut everything I could.
I hosted our family barbecue.
Spencer lost summer camp, Anthony lost swimming lessons, Sasha waited for new shoes, and I postponed my dental work twice.
Michael walked into the kitchen while I shaped the burgers.
He eyed the groceries.
“Did you really need all this?”
“There are 23 people coming.”
“We can’t afford it, Jenna.”
He eyed the groceries.
“I stayed inside your budget. I even moved my dental appointment again.”
He picked up his keys.
“Sacrifices have to be made.”
I almost asked what he’d sacrificed.
Instead, I pointed toward the empty cooler.
“We still need ice.”
“I’ll get it.”
“Sacrifices have to be made.”
