'I got accepted to the University of Houston, James!'
Julia is radiant, as usual, but the great news make it more pronounced. Mom is asleep in her room, as she normally is anymore, but I'm sitting at the dining room table enjoying a sandwich with a glass of milk. It's a cramped apartment, and times have been tough since our dad disappeared. The doctors diagnosed mom with cancer just a few months ago, and the treatments are too expensive.
'That's awesome sis, full ride?'
She nods. We can't afford to put her up in school, so she wouldn't be going unless scholarships and grants are paying for it. Which they are, she's a bright kid. And she has about the only bright future of any of us. The doctors give our mom another year, while my prospects are looking no better. I was forcibly removed from the police academy due to 'disciplinary problems.' Apparently punching commanding officers in the face is frowned upon. Other companies aren't exactly jumping to hire me either, especially with that strike on my record. I'm thinking about the Bounty Hunters, and it sounds like a good life. I just want to make sure that Julia gets in college and is all set before I make a big move like that. Oh, and mom. Have to keep her comfortable.
'So, when does the semester start?' I ask.
'Couple of weeks. I still have to get my books together. I wish mom was better and dad was here'¦'
'I'm sure he would be proud.' I finish up the sandwich, chug what's left of the milk and tell her I'm going to work on my ship some more.
![[Image: u8rHEaq.png]](http://i.imgur.com/u8rHEaq.png)