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for some unknown reason, you only let us pay for half your tuition. We have discussed this, and your car is too unreliable. You and Ashlyn are our world. We want to get you something safer.”
    Ava opened her mouth to say no, but what came out surprised her. “If I agree, will you let me pay for half?”
    “You keep such late hours… Did you just agree?” Lia stared at Ava with her mouth gaped open. Her obvious shock at her acceptance made Ava laugh out loud.
    “I guess I am.” Ava smiled broadly. “But I have to pay for half.” Ava knew the purchase of a car would cut into her plans for the summer, but the security of a new vehicle would be worth it.
    “You made that too easy. I’d convinced myself you would argue until you were blue in the face and I had a migraine. Do you have plans for this afternoon? We could go to a couple of dealerships today.”
    “I figured I would take Ashlyn to the park for a little while this morning and McDonald’s for lunch. While she is taking her nap, I have some laundry to do and homework to finish.” Ava pulled at the napkin that sat under her mother’s coffee cup.
    Lia took another sip of her coffee. “Why don’t you keep your plans, and your father and I will go out looking for a car? We’ll get some ideas, and then you can come over for dinner sometime this week and we’ll discuss the specifics.”
    Ava halted the conversation while she prepared her own cup of coffee. Settled down again at her regular spot at the table, she continued. “Mom, you know I would love to come to dinner, but it will have to be next Sunday. I have work and class every day, and my evenings are spent between homework and Ashlyn.” Ava hated to watch the look of disappointment cross her mother’s face, but she didn’t have a choice. With any luck, she would have some free time in the next couple of months.
    “I’m worried about all you’ve taken on. You work too hard, you stay up late every night to do homework and have no social life. I understand you want to spend all your time being a good mother to Ashlyn and give her everything, but you really need to take time for yourself.”
    “We have this conversation all the time. I promise I am fine and when things get to be too much, I’ll make some changes. Really, life is pretty good. I’m getting a new car.” Ava tried to give her mom a carefree smile.
    Absently, Ava ran her hand along the edge of the scuffed table her parents had been given at the beginning of their marriage. She could feel the dents from years of use. Trying to change the subject, she asked, “Mom, why do you still have this table? When the kitchen was redone, you should have gotten a new one.”
    “I love this table. I told your father I was pregnant while we were eating breakfast at this very table. Our family has shared every holiday and weeknight meal sitting across from each other at this table. Memories of you and now my granddaughter having your first meals at this table are things I will cherish forever.” Ava watched as her mom lovingly ran her hand across the rough top. “This table represents more than just a table, it represents our family.”
    Not sure what to say to her mother, Ava just looked down at the battered wood. The sentiment of the table was lovely, but it didn’t suit the contemporary kitchen. She wasn’t about to mention that and risk another lecture. Ava sipped her coffee.
    The sound of footsteps upstairs was Lia’s sign to start making breakfast for Howard. Ava’s dad was a wonderful, kind, caring man, but when he woke up, he was a hungry bear. His family just knew to stay out of his way until he had food in his belly.
    Ava got the plates from the cabinet and began to set the table. Just as she was about to put the dishes out, her dad walked in with Ashlyn. The moment Ashlyn saw her mommy she started squealing.
    As Pappy put down his little angel, Ashlyn rushed into her mother’s embrace and wrapped her chubby arms around her neck