Veronica learning how to live in their own small apartment again.
My own life changed too.
I stopped sending my parents four thousand dollars automatically.
Not because they didn’t deserve support.
Because we finally discussed what they actually needed.
The answer was far less money.
Dad still earned income from occasional design consulting.
Their house was paid off.
Their living expenses were modest.
Most of the money I had sent had simply accumulated until Derek redirected it.
“What do you want instead?” I asked Mom.
“Dinner.”
“What?”
“Come home for
