"I'm in terrible shape right now. My parents have been begging me to come home. I want to take Caroline and stay with them for a few days." I looked at Matthew, my eyes red-rimmed. "Once I've had a chance to pull myself together, we can talk about this. Is that okay?"
The moment the words left my mouth, I let out a few quiet sobs.
Caroline toddled over and tugged at the hem of my pants.
"Mommy, don't cry."
The relatives shifted uncomfortably, their expressions softening with guilt.
"Matthew... Jeanette's had it rough too. Maybe just drop it for now."
"She's been running herself ragged since Reg's funeral. Look at her face. Let her rest a few days before bringing this up again."
"Yeah, I agree. Give her some space."
Kay, Matthew, and Leila's expressions flickered, a shadow passing across all three faces in unison.
I didn't spare them another glance.
Using my poor health as an excuse, I took Caroline's hand and left as quickly as I could.
The second we got home, I called a realtor to list the house.
Then I started the paperwork for Caroline's school transfer.
I was taking my daughter and getting out. Far enough that Kay and her family could never sink their claws into us again.
Caroline stared up at me with wide, curious eyes.
"Mommy, how come I have to switch schools?"
"And how come we're selling the house?"
She was too young for the truth. I smiled and reached down to smooth her hair.
"Because we're going to live with Grandma and Grandpa from now on. And to make it easier for you to get to school, we need to transfer you somewhere closer."
She thought about it for a moment, not quite understanding, then nodded. "Okay!"
A buyer turned up fast.
They paid without haggling and gave us three days to move out. I started packing right away. Caroline helped, carrying small things beside me.
Then the doorbell rang.
Through the smart doorbell camera, I saw who was standing outside: Kay, along with the others. Behind them sat a row of suitcases.
So that was the plan. They were going to move Kay in whether I liked it or not.
I glanced around the room. Packed boxes and luggage were everywhere. If they saw any of this, there would be questions I couldn't answer.
That door was staying shut.
Outside, Kay called through the intercom. "Jeanette? Caroline? Are you home?"