Zion Press -- Dan checked his phone, but just long enough to pull it out of his pocket and see if his mom had texted back. She usually texted back within minutes, and it had already been a half hour. Not only did she text back pretty quickly, she also worked from home so she could bring whatever he forgot to school. She had saved his bacon more than once bringing homework or a book, so he couldn’t understand why she hadn’t texted back.

It was fine, he told himself. She wouldn’t let him down. He had told too many of his new friends that his mom would come through.
Dan checked the phone again, then the barrier. He needed his ID to get in and out, and today, of all days, he left it at home. His dying battery – how had he let it get to 15 percent? – let out a sad chirp, letting him know he had a text message.
Finally. He glanced at the text he sent his mom, asking for a few things he didn’t know he needed. Napkins. Gatorade. Hot food. Camping supplies. Sleeping bags. Coffee. Hairbrush. Toothbrush. Oh, please let her bring a toothbrush. It had been four days since he had brushed his teeth, or put on deodorant. And slept in a real bed. He went to the incoming text, excited to see where his mom would meet him.
“Dear Verizon Customer: You have exceeded your data for the month. Additional charges will apply”
The worst was yet to come. 10 percent. 9 percent. 8 percent. Please charge your phone.

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