Rudy and Alice had reached school on time, but they still came after the first bell. They were talking about something while sitting at their desk, and Eric suddenly walked in.
"Yo, what's up?" Rudy greeted him.
"Nothing. As usual."
"It's rare to see you come late. Were you working late?" Rudy asked curiously.
"Nah, just trying to start my own little business." Eric pulled his chair and sat by Rudy's desk so they could talk more freely and privately.
"Huh? You already work with your mom, right? Don't tell me you both had some fight or—"
"No, nothing like that. I just thought it would be a good time to start thinking about my future. You know, like…" Eric chuckled wryly and muttered, "I can't always be dependent on her."
"You are not, though. If you don't do your job, someone else will. Don't treat it like a family business; just treat it like a regular job, and you will be fine," Rudy retorted.