I sat down at the dining table.

My hands were still trembling as I grabbed the calculator.

I went through my finances carefully, making sure I didn't miss a single cent. I added up my savings, what was left of my severance, and the small reserves I had kept for emergencies.

When I finished, the result felt both depressing… and oddly hopeful.

I could cover my sister's medication for a full year.

At least that gave me some breathing room.

After that, I only had enough left to rent a sm