She wouldn’t give me any more pocket money. I didn’t argue. I knew the real reason I had to get a job was because she couldn’t give me $10 on Thursdays anymore. She was working but sometimes the alimony came late and she had to give the landlady a story. It was one of the worst jobs she had because she had to be on her feet all the time. I could see her in pain but she never complained about the fallen arches, bad shoes or the manager. I told her I’d get a good job and pay my way. She watched me with those anxious eyes. We were both thinking of college, which I was supposed to start next year. Once she said it was about as realistic as financing one of my movie ideas.

By May all the good jobs were gone. My friends were getting ready to travel as tree planters, junior marketing assistants and mag crew workers. I had an interview with a local production company. I told this guy with a ponytail about my idea for a werewolf movie. He drank some water and said they did mainly promo. He was professional and smiled and I knew I had a chance to change his mind.