Silence hung on the line. I could almost picture her tightening her grip on the phone, pearls gleaming at her neck like armor.
“Don’t make this harder than it has to be,” she said finally. “Megan believes your father wanted this land managed for the family.”
“She thinks—”
“Stop,” I cut in. “You don’t get to rewrite Dad’s wishes. He left this to me. Not her. Not you. Me.”
Her voice rose, sharp as I’d ever heard it.
“Don’t talk to me that way. I’m your mother. I watched you run off to the army instead of staying close to home. I supported Megan while you were gone, and now you act like you’re the victim.”
The words stung, but I didn’t flinch.
“You supported Megan because she gave you what you wanted, a daughter who stayed. I gave you something different. I gave you service, discipline, sacrifice, and you never once said you were proud of that.”
Her breathing hitched on the other end.
“Hannah, that’s not fair.”
“No,” I said firmly. “What’s not fair is you sitting silent while Megan humiliated me. What’s not fair is you defending her greed instead of respecting Dad’s decision.”
The line went dead. She’d hung up.
I sat there in the dim light, phone heavy in my hand. The truth was laid bare. Mom wasn’t neutral. She was with Megan.
The next day, I decided to face it head-on. I drove back to Albany, to the family home. Pulling up, I saw Megan’s Lexus in the driveway, gleaming like a trophy. When I stepped inside, both of them were waiting in the dining room. Mom sat stiff-backed at the head of the table, Megan lounging beside her with a glass of white wine, confidence dripping from every movement.
“Hannah,” Mom said. “We need to talk.”
I dropped my keys on the counter.
“Funny. That’s exactly how Dad’s will meeting started. Can’t wait to hear how this one ends.”
Megan smirked.
“Still the sarcastic soldier. Dad spoiled you, leaving you that shack. You don’t have the faintest clue what it’s worth.”
“Oh, I have a pretty good idea,” I shot back.
Her eyes narrowed.
“Then you understand why it should be handled by someone with experience. I’ve already had Summit Realty draft potential buyers. The offers will be substantial.”
“You went behind my back to appraise my property?” I asked, my voice rising.
“Our property,” she corrected smoothly.
I slammed my hand on the table.
“No. Mine. Dad’s will was clear. He left the cabin and the land to me. End of story.”
Mom’s voice cut through, icy.