My husband promised we could manage on his income.
Then, a month later, he sat me down.
« Sarah, we need to tighten our belts. »
Jacob and I agreed that I’d leave my office job.
He explained that construction jobs had slowed, and his business was in a crisis.
« There’s barely anything coming in, » he said.
I believed him.
He started giving me $150 a week for groceries.
I planned meals around coupons and store discounts to save what I could.
And I bought only the bare necessities.
I believed him.
***
One afternoon, Noah asked for his favorite candy.
« Please, Mom. It’s only $2. »
I checked my grocery money.
« We can’t today, sweetheart. »
He cried when I put it back.
But Jacob just became stricter.
« We can’t today, sweetheart. »
When I mentioned replacing Oliver’s cracked bottle, my husband asked, « Do you really need a new bottle for our son right now? »
