Chapter 19: Making Parents Proud
Back at home,Ethan stepped inside, his shoes clacking lightly against the cracked tiles. He looked happier than usual like a kid who knew a secret no one else did.
Ethan walked in with a wide grin on his face. The moment he stepped through the door, his mom looked up from peeling potatoes. His dad was half-lying on the sofa, remote in hand, bored out of his mind.
His mom peeked from the kitchen. "Ethan? You’re early today."
"Mm-hm," Ethan said, dropping his bag onto the dusty sofa. "I have something to tell you."
His dad, lounging in a worn-out tank top, glanced over. "What is it now? You didn’t get into trouble again, did you?"
"Nope."
His dad smirked. "Hah. Did a girl confess or something?
"No. Something good this time." Ethan grinned. "I bought a lottery ticket."
His mom came out, wiping her hands on her apron. "Lottery ticket? What for?"
"It’s a draw by a real estate company. First prize is a luxury house."
His dad let out a dry laugh. "Pfft. And second prize is a ticket to heaven, I guess?"