“You said I was a burden, David. I’m simply making sure you no longer have to carry me.”

He called me unreasonable.

Then he made the mistake of comparing me to a stingy landlord.

“A landlord collects rent,” I reminded him. “You haven’t paid any in eight months.”

That ended the conversation.

But I wasn’t finished.

I made one more phone call.

To a real-estate agent.

“I’d like a valuation,” I said. “I’m thinking about selling my house.”

Then Sunday arrived.

Sarah’s parents came for dinner.

Halfway through the meal, David placed his fork down.

“Mom, Sarah and I have been discussing your future.”

I almost smiled.

There it was.

The conversation they had apparently been preparing for.

“You’re getting older,” David continued. “This house is too much for you.”

Sarah immediately joined in.

“We found a wonderful community called Sunset Pines. They have activities, support, people your age…”

“And,” David added, “Sarah and I could stay here and maintain the house. It stays in the family. Everybody wins.”

I slowly put down my wineglass.

“A win-win?”

David smiled.

“Exactly.”

I looked around the table.

Then I reached into my cardigan and removed a folded document.

“You know what? I agree with you.”

David relaxed.

Sarah smiled.

For approximately three seconds.

“I agree that we shouldn’t live together anymore.”

I placed the document on the table.

“So I signed an agreement with a real-estate agent on Friday.”

Nobody moved.

“The house goes on the market next week.”

David’s face went blank.

“You’re selling it?”

“Yes.”

Sarah dropped her fork.