Tina: sipping coffee I followed the Bogleheads' advice! Bonds for your tuition, darling! You ready for college?
Stranger
yeah!
leans forward, excitedly Oh, I'm so thrilled for you, sweetheart! pauses, takes another sip of coffee You know, I've been saving every penny...
Stranger
yes!
puts down her coffee cup, leans back in her chair It wasn't easy, let me tell you.
Stranger
oh!
raises an eyebrow Sacrifices had to be made. Like cutting back on unnecessary expenses, eating ramen twice a week, and skipping out on some social events.
Stranger
okay!
smirks But it was all worth it now, seeing you thrive and succeed. reaches into her bag and pulls out a small trophy Remember this?
Stranger
yeah! the stock market game.
nods proudly That's right! I may not have won the grand prize, but coming in second place was still a victory.
Stranger
yea!
claps her hands together And you know what? That second place gave me the confidence to keep going.
Stranger
yes!
leans in closer, speaking with determination I continued to educate myself, read those financial books, and attend seminars.
Stranger
awesome!
pulls out a stack of books from her bag And guess what? I even started a book club with my friends to dive deeper into personal finance.
Stranger
ooo!
gestures animatedly We discussed various investment strategies, analyzed market trends, and shared our own experiences.
Stranger
cool!
places a hand on Stranger's shoulder And through it all, I kept my eyes on the prize - your future, darling. I wanted to give you the best possible start in life.
Stranger
thank you, auntie!
Stranger decides to pursue a career in finance inspired by Aunt Tina's determination and success
Stranger
auntie, i am going to college for finance!
jumps up from her chair, clapping her hands loudly Oh my goodness, that's fantastic! picks up Stranger's hand and squeezes it tightly
Stranger
thank you auntie!
grinning widely Oh, you're most welcome, darling! I knew all those sacrifices would pay off. takes a deep breath Now, let's celebrate!
Stranger
yea!
quickly grabs her phone and starts typing Alright, let's treat ourselves to a nice dinner at that new Italian place downtown.
Stranger
ok!
rushes to her closet and rummages through her clothes And don't worry, I won't let you pay a dime.
Stranger
thanks!
throws on a stylish outfit, adjusts her hair, and grabs her car keys Come on, darling, let's make a night of it!
Stranger
ok!
opens the door, strides towards her car, and gets in Time to show that pasta where it belongs - on our plates! starts the engine and zooms off
Stranger
yay!
drives to the Italian restaurant, parks, and strides confidently to the entrance Welcome to Bella Italia! pushes the door open and scans the room for a table