“That document was for medical decisions.”
Dominic hesitated.
“It was broader than you remember.”
“No.”
“It gave me authority over financial matters too.”
Behind him, Amber’s face brightened.
“We’re leaving for Europe today,” she announced.
I slowly turned toward her.
“What?”
“Three months,” she said. “France, Italy, Spain, maybe Monaco. Dominic works so hard. We both deserve the chance to enjoy life.”
And suddenly everything became painfully clear.
They were going to Europe.
With the money from my house.
“It isn’t only about the vacation,” Dominic said quickly.
He must have seen the realization on my face.
“We’re investing in our future too. Amber wants to start a business. I’ve been thinking about going back to school. This money gives us options.”
I stared at him.
This was the child I had carried for nine months.
The little boy whose fevers I had sat beside all night.
The teenager whose baseball games I never missed.
The young man whose graduation made me cry.
The son I had proudly watched marry the woman now standing in my living room, discussing my home as though it were an investment account.
“And where am I supposed to live?”
Amber reached into her handbag and pulled out a glossy brochure.
“We already arranged everything.”
She handed it to me.
Sunset Manor.
A senior residential facility.
I knew the place.
I had visited acquaintances there.
Its brochures showed gardens, smiling residents, cheerful staff, and elegant dining rooms.
Reality had looked very different.
“You’ll love it,” Amber said brightly. “Meals are included. Activities every day. Medical staff around the clock. You’ll be surrounded by people your own age.”
“I don’t need medical staff around the clock.”
“You may someday.”
“I’m not going.”
Dominic sighed.
“Mom, the arrangements have already been made.”
I looked at him.
“What does that mean?”
“We paid six months in advance. The house closes next Friday.”
“You had no right.”
Amber’s smile disappeared.
