Desi was about to go to Lily's room when her phone buzzed in her pocket. She glanced at the screen and saw her mother’s name flashing.
A familiar knot twisted in her stomach, but she answered anyway.
“Desi,” her mother’s voice was sharp and demanding, cutting through the silence.
“Mom?” Desi asked, already bracing for the impending storm.
“I need money,” her mother said bluntly, as if it were the most natural request in the world.
“Money? I sent you some last week. What did you do with it?” Desi felt frustration creeping into her voice.
Her mother’s tone turned accusatory, a familiar edge creeping in. “What did I do with it? It’s your fault I’m in this mess! If not for you—”
“Mom, I didn't...” Desi interrupted, feeling her heart race.
“Your selfishness ruined everything!” her moth
