Dishes piled up, laundry sat in the washer until it reeked of mildew, and food vanished from the fridge. No rent, no help with bills, and not even a “thank you.”
I was washing the breakfast dishes again one morning when Tyler and Gwen came into the kitchen, practically glowing.
Gwen beamed, holding a pregnancy test kit. “We’re pregnant!”
“Oh,” I said, genuinely surprised.
“Congratulations!”
“And,” Gwen added, that smirk I’d grown to hate spreading across her face, “I guess that means we won’t be moving out anytime soon.”
My hands tightened around the dish I was washing. “Actually, I’ve been meaning to talk to you both about that. I think it’s time you found your own place.
I didn’t agree to—”
Tyler cut me off with a laugh. “Not happening, sis. You wouldn’t throw out your pregnant sister-in-law, would you?
That’s harsh.”
“It’s the family home,” Mom interrupted, walking into the kitchen. “And they’re starting a family.
What’s wrong with you? Show some compassion, girl!”
Three pairs of eyes stared at me like I was the unreasonable one.
“Fine,” I said finally, setting down the plate before I broke it. “But things need to change around here.”
Tyler just snorted and opened the fridge.
“Whatever you say, princess.”
As they walked out laughing, Mom lingered.Continue reading…
