The children had taken to calling me Ao americanana, American grandmother, and they genuinely seemed to enjoy our afternoon sessions.
For the first time in years, I felt useful in a way that had nothing to do with money.
The transformation in my daily routine was remarkable.
Instead of sitting alone in my house in Connecticut, watching television and waiting for phone calls that rarely came, I was surrounded by laughter and learning.
The children’s English improved rapidly under my guidance, and my Portuguese grew stronger through our constant chatter, but my peace was disrupted one evening in late March when my Portuguese phone rang with an international call.
I had given this number only to James Morrison with strict instructions that it was for emergencies only.
Myrtle. James’ voice sounded tired.
I’m sorry to bother you, but we need to talk.
My stomach clenched.
Is someone hurt?
No, nothing like that. But David and Zuri have been persistent. They’ve hired a private investigator to find you.
I sank into my chair, feeling the old familiar weight of anxiety settling on my chest.
What kind of investigator?
Someone who specializes in locating missing persons.
They’ve been calling my office daily, demanding information about your whereabouts. I’ve told them I can’t and won’t reveal anything, but they’re getting desperate.
Desperate enough to do what?
James paused.
They’ve been to the police claiming you’re mentally incompetent due to your condition. They want to have you declared a missing person in need of assistance.
The betrayal cut deep.
Even though I should have expected it, they weren’t looking for me out of love or concern.
They were looking for me because they needed their benefactor back.
Can they do that legally?
Not easily. You left of your own free will. You’re in contact with your attorney, and you’ve demonstrated competency in managing your affairs, but they could make things complicated.
I looked out my window at the square below, where children were playing soccer in the fading evening light.
This was my life now, my peace, and I wouldn’t let them destroy it.
James, I need you to do something for me.
Of course.
I want to establish a trust fund for Emma and Jake’s education, something that can’t be touched by David or Zuri that goes directly to the children when they turn 18.
That’s very generous considering the circumstances.
They are still my grandchildren, I said softly. This isn’t their fault.
And the monthly payments to David’s household.
I had been dreading this decision, but the news about the private investigator made it easier.
Reduce them by half effective immediately.
Tell them it’s because my own medical expenses have increased due to my condition.
It wasn’t entirely a lie.
Dr. Olivea had recommended some new treatments that weren’t covered by Portuguese healthcare, though they were hardly expensive.
But David and Zuri didn’t need to know that.
Myrtle, James said carefully. They’re going to push harder when they realize the money is decreasing. Are you prepared for that?
Let them push, I replied, surprised by the steel in my own voice.
I’m not the same woman who left Connecticut.
After hanging up, I sat in my small living room, processing what James had told me.
The idea that David would try to have me declared incompetent was more hurtful than I had expected.
Even now, even after everything they had discovered about my financial contributions to their life, he still saw me as a problem to be managed rather than a person to be respected.
The next morning, I threw myself into my routine with the children with renewed energy.
Anna was struggling with a story she had to write for school, and I found myself sharing memories of my own childhood, stories I hadn’t thought about in years.
My grandmother used to tell me that every person has many different lives inside them.
I told Anna as we worked on her essay.
Sometimes we have to be brave enough to start a new one.
Anna looked up at me with serious dark eyes.
Did you start a new life? AO Americana.
Yes, sweetheart. I did.
Are you happy in your new life?
The question caught me off guard.
Was I happy?