“No. I finally stopped letting you use that word like a key.”

She started crying again, but this time I kept walking.

Part 3

The ruling didn’t magically bring peace overnight.

Marlene started calling relatives before I even reached home. By dinner, my phone was flooded with messages.

You could’ve shared.

It’s only space.

Mom would be ashamed.

Family shouldn’t sue family.

I answered only one cousin.

Would you let Keith’s mother move into your bedroom?

He never responded.