“How’s algebra treating you both?”
Sam rolled her eyes. “Dad. Nobody likes algebra, and nobody talks about algebra at the dinner table.”
Less chicken, more rice, maybe nobody would notice.
Lizie’s voice was barely audible when she spoke. “I like it. I like patterns.”
Sam smirked. “Yeah, you’re the only one in our class.”
Dan chuckled, trying to break the quiet. “I could’ve used you for my taxes last month, Lizie. Sam nearly cost us our refund.”
“Dad!” Sam groaned, rolling her eyes.
***
After dinner, Lizie stood, hesitating by the sink.
“Dad!”
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Sam intercepted her, waving a banana. “You forgot dessert, Liz.”
Lizie blinked at her. “Really? Are you sure?”
Sam pushed it into her hand. “House rule. Nobody leaves here hungry. Ask my Mom.”
Lizie gripped the banana, clutching her backpack tighter. “Thank you,” she whispered, like she wasn’t sure she deserved it. She lingered at the door, glancing back.
Dan nodded at her. “Come back any time, hon.”
“Really? Are you sure?”
Her cheeks flushed pink. “Okay. If it’s not too much trouble.”
“Never,” Dan said. “We always have room at our table.”
As soon as the door shut, my tone sharpened. “Sam, you can’t just bring people home. We’re barely managing.”
Sam didn’t move. “She didn’t eat all day, Mom. How could I ignore that?”
