The Approval System

She thought I would be the same as before. She believed that after a few days, I would lower my head and admit I was wrong.

Just like the last time I wanted to buy a competition prep book. Calvin had rejected the request, "There are pirated copies online anyway." I had swallowed the humiliation and rewrote a more detailed application in the Family Expense Portal.

Just like the time before that, when I needed money to participate in a school study program. Calvin had said, "These activities are just a waste of money." I had no choice but to go to my homeroom teacher, Ms. Carter, and ask her to help prove the necessity of the program.

None of that mattered anymore.

If that $500 registration fee had arrived on time a month ago, maybe I would have kept enduring it.

She never answered that phone call from me.

That day, in the Family Expense Portal application, I wrote: "Math competition registration deadline is today. Registration fee is $500. Attached are screenshots of the registration notice and payment page."

Calvin replied: "Rejected. Please explain the necessity of participating in this competition and the expected benefits."

I resubmitted.

"Winning or placing in this competition can help me qualify for independent university admissions. It will help with college placement."

He rejected it again: "The expected benefits are not clear enough. Please quantify."

The third time, I was almost begging. "The teacher has urged me multiple times. The deadline is today at 5 p.m. Could this be approved first? I will supplement the detailed benefits afterward."

Read. No reply.

At 4.30 p.m., he finally responded: "I just asked Noah. He said the competition isn’t all that valuable. Focus on your regular coursework instead. Prioritize preparing for final exams."

I rushed into the study to find my mom. She was on the phone and waved at me to wait.

On the other end was Noah's spoiled voice. "Mom, I saw a pair of sneakers I like. I need them for next week's competition..."

"Buy them. If you like them, just buy them." She smiled warmly. "How much? Two grand? It's fine. I will transfer it to you."

I stood at the door. Only after she hung up did I speak, my voice hoarse, "Mom, the competition registration—"

She glanced at her watch. "Bring these petty things to Calvin. I have a meeting to get to."

"But he—"

"Miles." She frowned. "You need to learn to be understanding. Managing this household isn't easy for Calvin. Everything he does is for your own good."

At that moment, I knew nothing I said would change anything.

…

After leaving the Pierces', I did not go looking for my dad.

Three years ago, when he cried and begged me not to leave with Mom, I said some unforgivable things, so I was too ashamed to go back now.

I settled into the school dorm. After learning about my situation, Mr. Hayes, my counselor, helped me apply for financial aid and a work-study position.

Mrs. Bennett, the librarian, patted my shoulder and said, "Miles, I've heard about your situation. Don't be afraid. If you have difficulties, talk to your teachers."

That night, Mrs. Wells, my math teacher called me into her office.

"Miles Hart." She pushed her glasses up, took a piece of paper from her drawer, and placed it in front of me.

I looked down and froze. It was the math competition registration confirmation.

My personal information had already been filled in. The status read: "Payment completed."

"Ms. Wells, this—"

"I registered you with the competition committee." Her tone was calm, but the concern in her eyes was unmistakable. "I covered the registration fee for now. There's no rush to pay me back."

"Thank you." My voice caught. "I will definitely return the money."

From that day on, I began a different kind of life.

I got up at six in the morning. I worked in the cafeteria in exchange for a free breakfast. Classes and self-study. My evenings were spent shelving books in the library. After closing, I did two more hours of tutoring.

I was busy, but things were solid.

No more writing those ridiculous Family Expense Portal applications.

No more explaining why I needed to buy a textbook, why I had to pay class fees, or why I wanted to attend a lecture.