“Sorry ma, I know that the loan’s overdue. But I have a good job now, so I will send you some money soon… No, no. I’m OK. Really ma, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me, OK. Bye… I love you too.”
She checked her watch. It’s past 10pm back home. They probably just finished dinner. How she missed ma’s hot fluffy chapatis.
Stretching her aching back, she sat down and resumed carving. Pumpkins carved by an Arts major – what a distinguished job indeed. But beggars couldn’t be choosers. Twenty-nine done and one to go. This would earn her 150 dollars.
But she needed more. A lot more.

Written for Bikurgurl’s 100 Word Wednesday 172 challenge