Mom’s bitterness hardened into cruelty. She blamed me for tearing the family apart, demanded rent, and let Alexa torment me. I counted down the days until graduation, and the moment I got my diploma, I left. On my own, I worked hard to build a life, though Mom and my sisters only ever called when they needed money.
One day, I finally pushed back. I told Mom I wouldn’t send another dime unless she gave me the truth. Reluctantly, she whispered a name: Rick. I tracked him down, heart racing, and when he opened the door, he recognized me instantly. He explained he had paid support until I turned eighteen but thought I wanted nothing to do with him.
