“Hey mom! I didn’t expect you to call. I guess you heard the news?”

“Of course I did! I’m so proud of Rebecca! You’re raising such smart children.”

“I, uh, never thought I’d hear you say that.”

“Why wouldn’t I? You know, you really ought to invite me and Kaylynn over for a chat sometime! I’d love to see the kids!”

“Huh. You really want to come over?”

“Yes, absolutely! So, have you decided to let your daughter into the program?”

“Not quite yet, no.”

“Well, why not?”

“Because I don’t know if it’s a good idea.”

“What do you mean? Of course it’s a good idea! She needs to be challenged!”

“And so do my boys, mom. Louis has been a straight A student all his school career.”

“But this is about Rebecca! I’m sure you would have excelled in school if you took as many challenges as your sister, instead of wasting all that time on electives!”

“Mom, this is an elementary school program.”

“Well, you did alright in elementary, then. Why didn’t you get into the program with Angela when you were young?”

“Because no one fucking offered me, mom! They thought I didn’t even exist!”

“Lillith! Language!”

“Mom, I’m… I’m sorry. I’ll call you back tomorrow.”