The Family Budget

I was brushing my teeth before work when my wife, Mel, entered the bathroom and said, “Were about $300 short this month.”

It was the 20th. We still had 10 days to go.

I rinsed out my mouth. Mel was in yoga pants and an old T-shirt, the clothing she slept in. I was in a polo shirt and jeans.

“What happened,” I asked.

Mel rubbed her eyes and let out a breath,…