While looking through the papers, he absent-mindedly dialed the house phone. It rang for quite some time before the recipient picked up.

"Hey mom, I got some extra money from the talk show. You don't mind if I pay the bills first, right?"

"Sure. If there's extra, take it for food next week."

"Okay. What time will you be back from work today?"

"Not sure. Probably past midnight. Don't let your dad know about the money, alright?"

"Okay. Bye mom. Don't work too hard."

"Bye. Love you."

"Love you too."

Shuri put down the phone. He went through all the bills, then counted what he had left. His mom usually took care of the groceries but he wanted to do it this time around. He wanted to get her something small as a treat, too.

It probably wasn't good to think of treats when they were living paycheck to paycheck. Guilt welled up inside him.

He tucked the funds away and went to his room. His dad was passed out on the couch, and didn't notice Shuri pass by him at all.

When the two of them were alone, his dad being passed out drunk was always the best case scenario.