I paid the deposit at 7:18 a.m.
The confirmation screen showed my name, the program, and the remaining balance: $0.00.
I took a screenshot before I could talk myself into undoing it. Then I called Ms. Pruitt.
"I paid," I said.
"I see it on my end," she replied. "Congratulations, Mara. Your place is confirmed."
My hands shook as I hung up. I sat on the edge of my bed and stared at the school's confirmation email until the words stopped blurring.
I hadn't asked permission.
The cost was immediate. My savings dropped to $530. My car insurance payment was due in two weeks. My hours at the diner might not be enough to cover the program schedule once classes began. I'd have to work around clinical placements and take the bus across town.
Still, for the first time in months, my future didn
