Half-Month Cruise Took the Dog, Not Me; I Quit This Family

My parents said this year was a fire-and-water year, that being around water would bring wealth and smooth sailing through life.

So they used my scholarship money to book a family cruise, half a month at sea, five spots total.

While I was packing, Mom put a hand out to stop me. "We're one spot short. You'll have to sit this one out."

I gave a bitter smile. "Mom, Dad, plus me and my sister and brother, that's exactly five people, isn't it?"

My sister threw her luggage down. "If Lucky can't go, then I'm not going either."