Chapter 1: Tethered by Every Purchase

My living expenses are managed through my mom’s “Family Wallet”—every purchase I make sets off an interrogation. Even the beep at the self-checkout makes me flinch.

The CVS receipt crinkles in my sweaty hand: $12.49 for their 24-hour “gift wrap and delivery” service. My heart’s pounding so loud, it almost fades into a distant throb, like I’ve pressed my ear against the subway tracks, waiting for something inevitable to barrel my way. My thumb keeps brushing the receipt’s edge, as if hoping it’ll erase the proof.

Right on cue, my phone buzzes, the vibration snaking across my desk like a threat.

“What did you buy?” Her voice on the line is as cold and sharp as broken glass, that clipped Midwest twang slicing through even the late-night hush of my dorm. I flinch, pressing the phone tighter to my ear, hoping the dorm walls will muffle her disappointment.

I watch the little red dot inching closer on the DoorDash app, a digital countdown to exposure. “A late-night snack.” My voice comes out too casual, almost bored. I know better. My stomach knots up all the same.

From the earpiece comes the unmistakable sound of a mug shattering. I picture her in the kitchen, hands clenched, shards of her favorite mug scattered on the linoleum. “Return it.”

I brace myself against the doorknob, the metal cold against my palm, and let out a soft, tired laugh. If she could see me now, clutching this door like it might save me from her, she’d probably have something to say about that too.

“Too late.”

“He’s knocking on my door.” Even as the words leave my lips, I hear the knock echo, heavy and expectant. I let the memory roll out—knowing I’ll face her later, but tonight, it’s just me and the freedom I bought with twelve bucks and change.