Too Late To Welcome Me Home

Summary

Ten days before I was supposed to move into my college dorm, I finally broke down and texted the family group chat.

"So, when are we leaving for that Miami graduation trip we talked about?"

A full day passed. Silence.

Then, at six in the evening, my sister’s profile picture flashed on the screen.

"Emergency! Need cash for concert tickets right NOW!"

The family chat, dead for twenty-four hours, exploded instantly, burying my message beneath a avalanche of notifications.

Within seconds, Mom and Dad sent a thousand-dollar Zelle transfer.