That almost worked.
Almost.
Then she said, “After everything we’ve done for you.”
I looked at her for a long moment.
“What exactly have you done for me?”
Silence.
I didn’t say it cruelly.
I said it because I genuinely wanted an answer.
I had paid their arrears.
I had taken ownership of the property.
I had paid for repairs.
I had allowed them to live there without rent.
And somehow, they had transformed all of that into a debt I supposedly owed them.
Ron folded his arms.
“You’re still our son.”
“I am.”
“And family takes care of family.”
“I agree.”
I looked toward Tessa.
“That’s why I took care of you.”
Then I looked back at my parents.
“But taking care of family doesn’t mean allowing family to mistreat my wife.”
Nobody answered.
Melissa cleared her throat.
“The property will be listed this afternoon.”
