Chapter 8 - THE HOUSE HAD A PRICE
Derek had borrowed money from a former business partner.
The letter demanded repayment and mentioned a signed settlement.
Dad didn’t understand all of it.
Neither did I.
But I understood the date.
Derek’s deadline was the following Tuesday.
“That’s why the loan had to close Friday,” I said.
Dad nodded.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Your mother thought you’d judge him.”
“I helped you keep the house.
You were about to risk it again.”
“He’s my son.”
“And I’m what?”
Dad looked at me.
The waitress placed our coffee on the table.
Neither of us touched it.
“You’re my daughter.”
“You should have said that Thursday.”
He lowered his eyes.
I took photographs of the documents he allowed me to copy.
Then I pushed the envelope back.
“I can’t be the solution to this.”
He swallowed.
“Can you at least talk to him?”
“No.”
“That’s your brother.”
“That’s exactly why he knew how to do it.”
After Dad left, I sat in the booth until the coffee went cold.
By noon, Mom had posted online.
Some people count every dollar they spend on family.
Others understand what love means.
She attached a photograph from my birthday.
The one where I was standing beside her, holding the cake I had bought.
Relatives began calling.
Aunt Carol told me I was breaking Mom’s heart.
“She threw me out.”
“She said you chose to leave.”
“She packed my belongings before she told me.”
“Well, you’ve always been independent.”
I closed my eyes.
Apparently independence meant I could be hurt without requiring care.
By evening, a cousin had sent me a screenshot from Derek.
Naomi is trying to take our parents’ house.
Please don’t encourage her.
I called Sophie.
“I want to post everything.”
“I understand.”
“But?”
“Decide whether you want a public fight or a clean record.
They’re not always the same thing.”
I wrote one message to the family group.
I am not asking for the house.
I am asking that signed repayment promises and my personal property be respected.
Please stop repeating claims without speaking to me.
Then I silenced the chat.
May you like
Five minutes later, my apartment buzzer sounded.
Derek was downstairs.
