I drove back home in silence, the lawyer’s words still echoing in my ears.
Years of my life, and nothing to show for it.
I sat on the edge of my bed and stared at the wall until the light outside faded. Every cold dinner, every criticism, every silent breakfast played back like a film I could not stop.
My phone buzzed. Linda’s name lit up the screen.
I almost did not answer. Then I did.
Years of my life, and nothing to show for it.
“Emily, dear,” she said softly. “I just wanted to say how sorry I am. Your grandmother, she always knew what she was doing, you know.”
Something snapped inside me.
“She knew what she was doing?” I said. “Is that supposed to comfort me, Linda?”
“That is not what I meant.”
“I bathed her. I drove her to every appointment. And you walk away with her savings?”
She was quiet for a long moment. “You do not understand everything yet, Emily.”
Something snapped inside me.
“Then explain it to me.”
“I cannot. Not over the phone.”
I laughed bitterly. “Of course you cannot. You whispered with her for years behind closed doors. I am not stupid. I saw what was happening.”
“Emily, please.”
“Did you talk her out of it? Did you convince her I did not deserve anything?”
“I would never.”
