n of debt that felt big enough to block out the sun. It was the lowest point

r, called a family meeting. My younger brother, Kevin, was there too. I wa

e was cold, without a trace of the warmth I'd known my

solemnity. "We've already transferred all our assets. No

n added, a smirk playing on his lips. "Disowning you. Makin

r betrayal. For the next five years, I worked. I slept in a storage unit. I ate instant noodles. I too

pany, Phoenix Innovations, had just closed a nine-figure deal. I wasn't just back on my feet

n unknown number, but I had a sick

Son, is

thick with a syrupy, fake emo

" I asked, keeping

ther and I are so proud," she gu

yed s

've fallen on hard times. Your father's health... it

ed, already knowi

rocery money. "And your father thinks it would be good for his health to have a sma

. It was so absu

he background. It was my father. "A M

word was simple,

rp and venomous. "No? What do you mean, no? After everything we've d

go, you published a notice in the city paper. It said, and I quote, 'Ethan Miller is no lo

er end. "That was... that was just to p

aked a heart condition to avoid talking to my creditors? I remember the doctor's repor

shrieked. "We gave you lif

d as steel. "You made your choice five years

lights blurred in front of me. The peace I had foug