My Son Bought a Red Dress for Our Neighbor’s Daughter

« Hannah has other things she needs to pay for right now, sweetie. »

He looked toward the house next door.

Then he asked, « Like helping Lucy learn stuff? »

« Exactly. »

Noah nodded once.

Over the next three weeks, my son became strangely economical.

The first time I offered him $5 for an after-school snack, he pushed it back.

« I’m good, Mom. »

Noah had never once in his life been « good » when French fries were available.

« Want an extra dollar for later? » I asked.