"So, Caroline, how many days are you two staying this time?"
I set down my chopsticks and looked at them both.
"Mom, Dad. We're not leaving."
"We're staying for good. We're not going anywhere."
They stared at me, stunned by the announcement.
I pulled out a bank card and slid it across the table.
"I sold the house."
"This is the money from the sale. It's for you."
Giving this to my parents settled something deep inside me.
My mom seemed to guess what had happened. Tears welled in her eyes.
"Jeanette, you've been suffering."
My dad nudged her with his elbow.
"What are you crying for? The kids are coming home to live with us. That's a good thing! Quit with the waterworks."
He turned to me. "You see your mother? Tiniest thing and she falls apart."
My mom swatted him on the arm.
"Oh, shut up and eat!"
My dad looked at me, playing the victim. "See that? This is what she does! Your mother's been bullying me like this for years! Won't even let a man speak the truth!"
The two of them went back and forth, bickering like they always did.
I watched them and laughed out loud.
Caroline held her bowl in both hands, tilting her head to one side as she watched them go at it.
A few days later, a phone call shattered the peace.
"Jeanette Harding! Who gave you the right to sell my son's house without asking me?"
