Independence Day

by

Joe Marusa

Introduction

It’s Independence Day!  No, this has nothing to do with July 4th.  This is the day you finally get to move out on your own!  Well, you won’t quite be on your own.  You’ve got two good friends, and the three of you have agreed to be roommates.  Getting settled in is going to take a lot of work, however, and independence does not come without a price.  Because neither you nor your friends are rich (you’re just out of high school, after all), the only home you could afford was an unfurnished one.  Not without heart, your parents have decided to chip in and help out with some of your expenses.  The catch: to show that you’re responsible, you’ll need to provide to them a detailed budget on what you will need to buy in three areas: furniture, appliances, and entertainment.  Each person agrees to be responsible for one area.  Time is of the essence because the offer stands for only one week before they’ll demand you give their money back.  You count the money sent by your benefactors and find $3000.  In addition, since you’re all employed, it has been determined that you and your friends are worthy of receiving a credit card good for $4000.  Can you prove that you’re responsible enough?  Let’s see.