Arlene takes me aside.   When Gertrude became ill and was sent back to Holland, Arlene came to take charge.

She has something to say to me.  She goes straight to the bottom line.

Since you are going to college and not contributing full time here you must pay for your room and board.

I knew that soon they would notice that I did not turn over my earnings from the florist.  Still, her bluntness shocks me.

What about the years I spent working for your benefit?

We gave you the chance to develop your talents.

You mean talents like cooking and cleaning, hard farm labor –

Arlene cuts me off.

You are being emotional.

She turns and walks away.