I Couldn’t Afford My Parents ‘Time Chapter 03

I Couldn’t Afford My Parents ‘Time Chapter 03

Dad’s expression froze for a moment. 

“This time, I won’t ask you for money.” 

“Consider it a graduation gift from Dad.” 

My fingers curled slightly. 

That night, Dad set an alarm on his phone. 

He took a suit jacket from the closet and asked me: 

Is this okay for my graduation photos?” nodded. 

After they fell asleep, I took my Columbia University 

acceptance letter out of the drawer. 

placed it together with my graduation documents. 

I thought… 

After we finished taking pictures, I would tell him.. 

Even if he could only spend one afternoon with me. 

The next day, Dad had already changed into his clothes early 

stood by the front door with my document bag in my arms. 

For the first time in years… 

I felt like maybe things would finally be different. 

Just as we were about to leave, Melody suddenly ran downstairs. 

“Dad.” 

I got a spot at that photography studio.” 

There was only one appointment left this afternoon.” 

Can you come with me for pictures?” 

Dad frowned. 

I promised Hazel I would go to school with her.” 

I looked up at him. 

This was the first time in my life that Dad had chosen me over Melody. 

Melody froze for a few seconds. 

She lowered her head and bit her lip. 

Then she took out her phone. 

Another bank transfer notification came in. $300. 

“Then I’ll buy your afternoon.” 

The certainty on Dad’s face finally cracked. 

Melody looked at me innocently. 

“Hazel didn’t pay for it, did she?” 

Mom happened to walk out of the living room. 

She shoved the car keys into Dad’s hand. 

“Melody paid for your time.” 

“You should go with her.” 

“We should follow the rules.” 

Dad finally took the keys. 

He didn’t look at me. 

He only lowered his head and adjusted his sleeves. 

“Hazel.” 

Take a cab there yourself.” 

held my document bag tighter. 

“But you promised me first.” 

Dad frowned. 

‘I only said I’d go with you if I had time.” 

“I never took your money. 

“Melody’s photography appointment won’t wait.” 

“You can pick up your documents another day.” 

“But today is the only day.” 

I said quietly. 

He went quiet for a few seconds. 

Then his voice turned impatient. 

“Just go earlier.” 

You’re already grown up. 

Do you really need your dad there just to pick up some documents?” 

opened my mouth. 

But in the end, I said nothing. 

After they drove away, I went to school alone. 

The entrance was packed with parents there to celebrate their kids. 

I walked through the crowd. 

Picked up my documents. 

Then walked back through the same crowd. 

Suddenly, someone called my name from behind. 

It was Mrs. Carter from next door and her son Evan. 

Evan was in my graduating class. 

He had just gotten accepted into a top–tier university. 

Mrs. Carter had brought a huge bouquet of flowers to welcome him. 

‘Hazel.” 

Your parents didn’t come?” 

Mrs. Carter asked. 

shook my head. 

Evan looked at me in confusion. 

You scored so much higher than me.” 

How could they not come?” 

Mrs. Carter froze. 

Which university did Hazel get into?” 

Evan was about to answer. 

But I interrupted him first. 

“I haven’t made my decision yet.” 

He looked at the empty space behind me. 

In the end, he didn’t say anything. 

When I got home, Dad and Melody had just returned. 

Mom was holding a gold–embossed invitation. 

Her face was full of envy. 

The Carter family is throwing Evan a graduation party this weekend.” 

“They’re celebrating him getting into such a good university.” 

Everyone in Maplewood Neighborhood was invited.” 

A kid like him is something to be proud of.” 

Then she looked at Melody. 

“Melody.” 

If you get into a top–tier university next year… 

Mom will book a ballroom at a five–star hotel.” 

‘I’ll invite all the neighbors and celebrate with you.” 

Melody smiled and threw herself into her arms. 

Only then did Mom seem to remember I was there, 

She handed me the invitation. 

“You should go too this weekend.” 

‘Ask Evan how he studies.” 

“Then come home and teach Melody.” 

I lowered my eyes to the date on the invitation. 

It was exactly the day I planned to leave. 

The graduation party hotel was only ten minutes from the airport. 

put the invitation into my bag. 

Okay.” 

Fine. 

I’ll leave after this meal.