“Mommy, When Will We Be Rich?”

I’m trying, my love. I’m trying.

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The perfect day for pizza had arrived. Sun shining, birds chirping… and daughters demanding answers?

“Mommy,” she queried between bites, “when will we be rich?”

Ouch.

Competing responses contended for the top spot in my mind.

“You little ingrate! Gimme that slice!”

“Who says we aren’t?”

“I’m trying my best, baby girl.”

Finally, I settled for: “Why d’you ask?”

“Carol says her parents give her $100 every morning!”

Yeah, well, Carol is a liar.

Or maybe not. Maybe her parents can afford to give her that much.

Right now, I can give you my unwavering attention and promise to try to give you a better childhood than I had.

I laughed silently, wondering if my answer would change the next time the little rascal demanded an update on the family’s financial status.