chapter 9

Jade

Today was one of those days when everything was not going my way. I had spent the entire afternoon shopping with Robin for some new shoes and school supplies, and it seemed we had both reached our breaking point. He had asked for everything he saw, and I was now tired and broke. If only there were a way to explain to a stubborn six-year-old that mommy didn't have money to buy everything he wanted. Especially things he didn't need. I thought that after six years of doing this, I would be a pro by now, but there was no manual for motherhood, and on days like these, one just had to be extra patient.

"I want ice cream, Mommy," came another request.

There were a few fancy restaurants as we walked by, and just ahead of us was a gelato place. I must admit that the large banner with different gelato cones looked appetizing, but I had just bought Robin some yogurt an hour before.

"We are going home, Robin, and you left ice cream in the freezer, remember?"

There was a small tub of vanilla