My mother said, “Your brother is coming with his two kids to live with us, so you need to leave, you parasite.” I replied, “You’re joking, right?” My mom laughed. “No, I’m serious.” I said nothing and walked away. The next morning… 53 missed calls

It turned into three.

Three years of waking up early to make sure she ate before taking her medication. Three years of bills, repairs, paperwork, stress. Three years of putting my life on hold.

When the heater broke in the middle of winter, I paid for it.

When taxes were overdue, I covered them.

When she cried and told me she didn’t know what she would’ve done without me…

I believed her.

I thought I mattered.

I thought I belonged.

I didn’t realize I was just filling a space until Ethan decided to come back.

Looking back, the signs were there.

Subtle at first.

Ethan calling more often.

Mom mentioning him more.