Chapter 6

After years of being called ungrateful, what difference would it make to truly be ungrateful for once?

I was determined to become a champion in the state competition, take first place in the nationals, and join the Olympic training team.

I wanted to leave this place and go somewhere I truly belonged. Unfortunately, fate had never seemed to favor me.

The state competition was held in the capital city, which would take hours to travel to from our small town.

Even if I hadn't spent the hundred dollars Dad gave me, it wouldn't be enough.

My fingers touched the locket on my necklace, a keepsake from Grandma.

On her deathbed, Grandma had pressed the locket into my hand.

"All the money I've saved over the years is in here. My precious Quincy, when you need money, pawn it. Don't hesitate to use it. I won't be able to see you become a mathematician, but I'll watch over you from heaven..."

Grandma... Grandma...

Tears blurred my vision.

I murmured her name over and over.

My grip on t