Kyle leaned in to look too, and immediately panicked. "Zara, where did all the money go? At the campus charity fair last month, we raised nearly $2000 just from donations. Where's that?"
I pulled out a chair and sat down.
"Donations from the charity fair was $1900. Purchasing cat beds and scratching posts: $700. Taking three sick strays to the vet for spaying, neutering and vaccinations: $1600."
I watched Tanya's face grow paler by the second.
"The club's monthly fixed expenses run around $2500. Aside from occasional donations, I covered every single shortfall with my scholarship and part-time wages. Over the past 3 years, I've personally put in about $4,000 of my own money."
I stood up and looked down at Tanya. "So now, I'm handing this golden goose to you. Starting today, all expenses for the strays will be covered by our new president, Tanya. I hope you do exactly what you said make sure every cent goes to the cats."
Tanya's hands trembled as she held the financial records.
She'd thought she was taking over a steady stream of income. A nice little side gig where she could pocket donations under the guise of charity. She never expected this, a bottomless pit that would drain her own wallet.
"I—I can't possibly come up with that much money." Tanya stammered, backing away.
Kyle was stunned too, but he still forced himself to defend her. "You're setting her up! Tanya is a struggling student. Where is she supposed to get the money to fund the club?"
My face went cold, my gaze sharp. "If you can't afford it, don't pretend you can. You wanted the president's seat, now take the responsibility. What's wrong? You were all talk when you were attacking me just now. Now that it's time to put your money where your mouth is, do you want to back out?"
I couldn't be bothered to watch their expressions shift any longer. I turned and walked toward the door. At the threshold, I paused and looked back at Tanya. "Oh, and make sure you buy cat food on time. If the cats in the woods lose any weight, people will be coming after you."
That night, Tanya couldn't wait to start a livestream. She sat under a dim streetlamp, cradling a stray cat in her arms. Tears streamed down her face as she sobbed to the camera.
"Guys, the former president dumped this mess on me and took off with all the money. The cats are about to run out of food. Please, help me. Let's crowdfund to keep them fed. I really can't bear to watch them starve..."