“The Wi-Fi isn’t working,” he grumbled, holding up his tablet. “Sarah is trying to stream a movie.”
“I changed the password,” I replied, not looking up from my paperwork.
David blinked, confusion washing over his face.
“Why? What’s the new password?”
“I upgraded the security on the router,” I explained smoothly. “Since the the internet bill is in my name and paid from my account, I prefer to keep the network private.”
His jaw dropped.
“Are you kidding me? We live here, too. We need the Wi-Fi.”
“Then I suggest you call a provider and have a line installed in your name or use your cellular data.”
I finally looked up, meeting his shocked gaze.
“You told me I was a burden, David. I’m simply lightening the load. You no longer have to worry about managing my groceries, my laundry, or my internet.”
“You’re being completely unreasonable,” he snapped, his face flushing red. “Sarah is stressed out of her mind. We’re trying to save money, and you’re acting like like a stingy landlord.”
“A landlord charges rent,” I corrected gently. “You haven’t paid a dime in 8 months. Close the the door on your way out.”
He stood there for a long moment, his fist clenched, before turning and slamming the door behind him.
I leaned back in my chair, exhaling slowly.
It hurt.
He was my son, the boy I had raised, the child I had comforted through scraped knees and broken hearts. But the man standing in my study wasn’t that boy anymore.
He was a user, and I refused to be used.
I picked up my phone and dialed a number I had saved earlier that week.
“Hello, this is Marcus Realy.”
A cheerful voice answered.
“Hi.” I smiled into the receiver. “I need someone to come out and do a home valuation. I’m putting my house on the market.”
Friday morning, Sarah tried a different tactic. She decided to play the victim.
I was watering the hydrangeas on the front porch when she stepped out, wrapping her cardigan tightly around herself. She had perfectly applied makeup, yet managed to look incredibly fragile.
“Teresa,” she began, her voice quivering slightly. “Can we talk?”