Footsteps sounded on the other end of the line, followed by a door closing. A few seconds passed before a voice came through. "Teacher Winslow, my mom is exhausted. She's working two jobs all by herself."
'That's just how life is, full of disappointments big and small.' Holly Winslow's grip on her phone tightened. Her voice was gentle but serious. "That's exactly why you need to study. Your mom would rather work herself to the bone to keep you in school. Haven't you ever stopped to think why?"
"It's only five more years, including one to repeat. If you work hard for those five years, your life will definitely be more prosperous and easier than it is now."
"I can lend you the money to repeat the year. You won't have to ask your mom. Once you graduate and get a job, you can pay me back slowly."
