Chapter 3: Envy and Escape

Looking at Natalie’s wide grin, it finally clicked.

Not long ago, she’d borrowed money for a milkshake and caught a glimpse of my bank app—seven figures. She made me show her again and again, totally stunned.

“Aubrey, how do you have so much money?”

“My mom gives me $7,000 every month. I just save it up.”

“Your mom…she’s loaded! What does she do?”

“She runs a bunch of companies.”

“Man, you’re lucky,” Natalie grumbled, slurping her drink. “My mom’s just a stay-at-home mom. So stingy. Five bucks a day for lunch—otherwise I wouldn’t have to borrow from you.”

I watched her clutch the milkshake, swallowing hard.

But the truth? I envied her, too.

Because after I turned ten, I never had another milkshake. I never tasted happiness, either.

Back then, my mom decided sugar was the enemy and happiness was for the weak. I’d watch other kids sip milkshakes in the cafeteria, laughing easily, and wish I could have just a taste. Funny, isn’t it? How a simple milkshake could mean so much.