Chapter 3: False Promises

“I’m planning to find another job,” I said. The local electronics plant had shut down, so I was home resting for a few days.

I picked at a tear in the vinyl tablecloth, my voice steady. I’d learned to play their game—give just enough to keep them off my back.

Surrounded by all these people, I watched my words, afraid of saying the wrong thing and getting sent back to the rehab center.

Every sentence felt like a test. I pictured the white-walled institution, the cold stares, the way my own words could be twisted into evidence of insanity.

“Making money online is too hard. I was just trying it out, nothing more.”

I shrugged, feigning embarrassment. It was easier to act like a failure than risk their suspicion again.

Hearing I was willing to go out and work, my parents finally relaxed.

Dad leaned back in his chair, Mom exhaled—relief softening her face for the first time all week.

“That’s more like it. Sitting at home all day, acting strange—your mom and I just worry about you.”

She even managed a smile, the kind she reserved for neighbors at church. It didn’t fool me.

“You’re the oldest, the family’s future rests on you. Think about your brother. When he graduates, you two can support each other.”

He said it like it was obvious, like my only purpose was to prop up the family pyramid.

When Caleb was mentioned, Dad’s pride was obvious.

His chest puffed out, eyes shining with dreams of college degrees and wedding invitations—never mind who paid for it all.

I sneered inside—how many college grads can’t even find a job? He thinks Caleb will walk out and instantly land a high-paying job, marry a rich and pretty wife, and hit the jackpot.

Dad acted like Caleb was headed straight for a six-figure salary and a mansion on the lake, blind to the reality that even college grads in this town end up at Walmart or the hospital cafeteria.

Then he’d be the father of a big shot, respected everywhere.

He craved respect—more than love, more than honesty. It was all about the family name.

So arrogant, as if the world revolved around his dreams.

I knew that look—he was lost in his own fantasy, deaf to anyone else’s truth.

But in the end, didn’t he use the money I earned to buy Caleb a house, get him a wife, and live well on my bones?

The memory made my stomach twist. All my work, all my sacrifices—handed over so someone else could live the life I’d barely tasted.

“Right, right, Caleb is the only college student in the family, the pride of mom and dad. I’ll ask my friends in the next few days if there’s a suitable job.”

I forced a smile, knowing full well that whatever job I found, they’d still find a way to take more than their share.