My 14-year-old son grew out his hair to make a wig for his classmate who lost hers because of cancer — the next day, I was called to the school, where her father was waiting for me and said, “You have no idea what your son has done, do you?” My son Ethan and Lily had been best friends since elementary school. Even as teenagers, they were still inseparable. Unfortunately, Lily was diagnosed with cancer last year. I could see how deeply Ethan worried about her. Then Ethan refused to get a haircut. He kept saying: “Mom, I’m going to grow my hair out so Lily can feel like herself again.” I can’t even begin to tell you how proud I was of my son. Lily had lost all of her hair because of chemotherapy, and despite the teasing Ethan got at school, he still managed to grow his hair long enough to donate. Then I contacted an organization that makes wigs, and one morning, I took Ethan there to have his hair cut. When Ethan gave the wig to Lily, she burst into tears when she saw it. I thought that was the end of the story. But the next morning, I got a call from Ethan’s school. It was the principal, Mr. Harrison. He cleared his throat and said: “Ma’am, I’m sorry, but you need to come to the school immediately. Lily’s father is here, and he’s demanding to see you right away.” My knees were shaking. I had no idea what was going on, but ten minutes later, I was already at the school. The thing is, I barely speak to Lily’s parents. I don’t even know how to explain why. They’re just very private and distant people. And on top of that, I can’t say for sure, but I’d always had the feeling they didn’t really like Ethan. When I walked into the principal’s office, Ethan was sitting there. He was pale. Lily’s father was sitting next to him. I smiled awkwardly. “So… what’s going on? Is this about the wig or something?” He stared at me for a moment, then looked at Ethan. “You really didn’t tell her?” My smile disappeared. “Tell me what?” Lily’s father looked at me and said: “You have no idea what your son has done, do you?” Then he turned to Ethan and said: “Please, tell her the truth yourself right now, or I’ll have to.” I looked at Ethan. He couldn’t even look me in the eye

Hotel nights. Food. Parking. Things insurance doesn’t cover.”

I stared.

Lily’s treatment required frequent trips to a children’s hospital nearly two hours away.

I’d known that.

What I had not known was how much those trips were costing them.

David continued.

“My wife had to cut her work hours. I’ve used nearly all my paid leave.”

His voice cracked slightly.

“We’re managing.”

The way he said managing told me they barely were.

I looked at Ethan.

“How much did you get for the computer?”

“Eight hundred.”

“And you gave it

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