The last breath of the telephone conversation was still lingering in the air when Amelia pressed the button to hang up.

She closed her eyes tightly, a gesture meant to hold back rebellious tears and stifle the cry of frustration threatening to escape her throat. She had reached that point again—the familiar crossroads between necessity and dignity. She needed more money.

Memories of a past life—one where applause and gold medals resonated instead of misery and tears of sadness—suddenly rushed o