Kate: Did I tell you how good it is to be home, Mom?

Kate’s Mom: Yes, you’ve mentioned it a few times. I’m sorry we don’t get to meet your boyfriend, though.

Kate: Jason can’t leave his mom alone over the holidays. This whole divorce thing has been pretty hard on both of them.

Kate’s Mom: I understand. Did you enjoy your time there? You didn’t have much to say about it the last time we chatted.

Kate: It’s such a small town. I’d go crazy living in the boonies.

Kate’s Mom: I hear you. Small towns are nice to visit, but I prefer the hustle and bustle of the city.

Kate: They don’t even have a movie theater there. Jason and I played board games with his mom all weekend. Oh, and we made beaded necklaces.

Kate’s Mom: That doesn’t sound so bad. You probably needed a break after such a hectic semester. You’ve been working like a dog, Kate.

Kate: That’s not exactly true. I should have told you about this before now. My grades have really slipped.

Kate’s Mom: That’s normal for first year, Kate. It’s a big adjustment from high school.

Kate: It’s worse than you think. I’m flunking three of my four classes.

Kate’s Mom: Kate! I had no idea it was that bad. Maybe you need to quit your job. Either that or quit hanging out with Jason so much.

Kate: I’ve been thinking about ditching my job, but I can’t afford to.

Kate’s Mom: Well, your father got his holiday bonus, and I’m sure he’d be happy to put it towards a good cause if you decided to quit.

Kate: Really? It would make it a lot easier to concentrate on my studies. Of course, it will also mean seeing less of Jason.