### Chapter 6
By October, Anna had found her rhythm. While classmates complained about readings, she devoured every assigned text and more, spending hours in the library until closing. Her grades reflected this effort—straight A's across all subjects. But academic success didn't ease her financial stress.
Her work-study job in the campus bookstore provided some income, but textbooks, meals beyond the basic plan, and even laundry added up quickly. She learned to survive on ramen noodles and peanut butter sandwiches, telling herself it was temporary.
Phone calls home became weekly rituals. Her mother always sounded cheerful, sharing gossip from the diner and assuring Anna that everything was fine. But Anna heard the exhaustion in her voice, the way conversations quickly shifted when bills were mentioned.
During midterm week, Anna received an unexpected envelope from home. Inside was fifty dollars and a note: "For my brilliant daughter. Love, Mom." Anna cried, knowing her mother probably skipped meals to send it.