During a Family Livestream, My Niece Snapped the Bracelet Off My Wrist

and I had watched Madison in that moment, flushed from the audition, her hands still trembling slightly, young and hopeful and fragile under the practiced nonchalance. She had talent. That was real. I had not wanted her to miss the opportunity because her parents burned through money the way other people burned through napkins.

So I had gone home and continue reading …