Not this time. In this life, I would never fall for their tricks again. I was going to stay far away from every last one of them and build a real life with my daughter.
I looked at Kay's sallow, sickly face.
My heart didn't soften. Not even a little. Instead, I squeezed out a few tears.
"Reg just passed. My heart is shattered. I really don't have it in me to look after anyone else right now." I drew a shaking breath. "I've been crying nonstop. Every time I close my eyes, all I see is him covered in blood."
My voice cracked. "If it weren't for Caroline being so young... maybe... maybe I would've followed him."
Kay clearly hadn't expected that answer. Her mouth opened, then closed again.
Matthew stepped forward immediately to fill the silence.
"We're not asking you to take care of Mom. It's more like... we just want you two to keep each other company."
Leila came up and took my hand, her expression arranged into something resembling sincerity.
"Jeanette, Matthew's right. You and Mom have always been the closest. We just want you to be there with her." She squeezed my fingers. "We won't ask you to do any caretaking. We'll hire a home aide for both of you, on our dime."
Just like that, they'd maneuvered me onto a pedestal so high I couldn't refuse without looking heartless.
The relatives and friends gathered around clearly thought I should agree. One by one, they chimed in.
"Jeanette, you and your mother-in-law can keep each other company. That way you'll both have someone to lean on."
"Matthew and Leila are offering to pay for a home aide. You won't have to lift a finger."
"Just say yes. You're emotionally fragile right now. You need someone around."
"Exactly. If anything happens, it's easier when you're together."
"A home aide can look after you, your mother-in-law, and little Caroline. It's a win-win."
Easy for them to say. None of this was landing on their shoulders. They could toss out advice without bearing a shred of the responsibility.
No matter how many of them ganged up on me, I was not going to take on the burden of caring for Kay Perry.
I lifted a hand and dabbed at my tears, letting my expression crumble into something fragile and pitiful.