The school sent a long notice with the payment date buried halfway down. I read it twice because I wanted to be sure which amount was required now and which was for later. My first thought was that they make things confusing on purpose. Could also be somebody copied an old notice and added another paragraph. Either way I need the right figure, not a theory about the office. Wrote the two amounts separately and asked one clear question in the parents' group. Already five people have replied with what they think. I will wait for the school to answer. Opinions cannot pay the balance for me.

Washed the work things and took my shower before anybody could add an errand. The first clean shirt felt rough for a moment against wet shoulders, then cool as the air came through the window. I could still feel the glove seams across my palms although the gloves were already on the balcony. Rubbed my hands together, checked one small sore patch and left it alone. My daughter wanted to walk to the kiosk with me. I had enough legs for that, not enough for the long route she suggested to see a friend's puppy. We bought bread and came straight back. Strong does not mean the feet have unlimited mileage.

My daughter said I was rude to the shop man. He had given me the wrong change and then acted as if I had interrupted his important afternoon, so yes, my voice was not sweet. Still, hearing her say it made me feel accused of something bigger than that one exchange. I asked whether I should leave our money there for the sake of smiling. She said no, just don't talk like that. Now I am annoyed with her and also replaying my exact words, which is annoying again. She was not ashamed of me working on the truck. She was talking about how I spoke. I know there is a difference, even if I don't like this conversation.