Chapter 4 - The Reality Check
Tyler’s first forty-eight hours in the real world were a masterclass in karma.
He had couch-surfed at a friend’s apartment, assuming this was just a temporary spat. On the third day, he went to a local bar, ordered a tab full of premium drinks, and confidently handed the bartender my credit card.
Declined.
He tried his phone to call me and scream at me.
No service.
Humiliated, he was forced to leave his designer watch as collateral to pay the bar tab.
That night, he borrowed his friend’s phone and called my landline. The caller ID showed an unknown number, so I answered.
"Are you insane?!" Tyler’s voice exploded through the speaker. "You shut off my phone? You canceled my cards? How am I supposed to eat, Mom?!"
"You are twenty-four years old, Tyler," I said calmly. "There are "Help Wanted" signs in every storefront in this town. I suggest you start filling out applications."
"I am your son! You owe me!"
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"I gave you life," I replied. "I don't owe you a free ride. Do not call this number again, or I will report you for violating the restraining order."
I hung up the phone and unplugged it from the wall.
