Pepe cannot have their cake and eat it too - we cannot create a world where everyone can identify whatever they want as privilege and then demand you acquiesce to their view of the world seconds later. I think this piece is wonderful and refreshingly honest about what it means to have a comparative lack of privilege with your friend.

I grew up working class (though I'm not American) so I've got a soft spot for stories about poverty and I think you've absolutely captured the beauty of friendships that transcend the economic gap. I'm far better off these days than I used to be - but I still have friends who could afford to solve all my financial woes with their loose change from their monthly spending.

Money matters. Poverty cripples a lot of other choices (it's why I'm a socialist) and I think the world would be a lot better if there was a way the Government could behave like your friend Ohio and take things the wealthy don't need and give them to the less well off.

Great work - and lovely to see you're still writing Miss Moon. :o)