Chapter 3 - She Needs Us More
Thanksgiving had been Grandma Margaret’s idea.
Walter and Margaret lived three hours away and rarely stayed overnight anymore. Walter’s knees had worsened, and Margaret disliked long highway drives after dark. Still, they came because Diane insisted the family needed “one normal holiday.”
Normal meant nobody discussed money.
Normal meant Richard carved the turkey while Claire told stories about her children and Ethan cleared plates.
Normal meant everyone pretended the basement arrangement was temporary, though Ethan had lived there for four years.
The truth surfaced because Grandma asked an ordinary question.
“Are you still saving for a place of your own?”
Ethan gave a tired smile.
“Trying.”
Richard laughed.
“He’s got it easy here.”
Walter looked toward Ethan.
“How much are they charging you?”
Diane dropped her fork.
Richard answered too quickly.
“He helps with expenses.”
Walter kept watching Ethan.
That was when the eight hundred dollars came out.
Richard defended it immediately.
“Ethan has a full-time career. Claire has children. Obviously, she needs our support more.”
Walter’s face hardened.
“Does Ethan not need a future?”
Richard sighed.
“He’s a grown man.”
“And Claire?”
“She’s rebuilding.”
Walter glanced toward Claire.
“How long has the rebuilding been going on?”
Claire’s cheeks reddened.
“My divorce was difficult.”
“It was six years ago.”
“You don’t know what I’ve been through.”
Walter nodded.
“You’re right. But I know exactly what Ethan has been paying.”
Diane reached for his arm.
“Dad, please. Not at Thanksgiving.”
May you like
Walter pulled his arm away gently.
“If not now, when everyone benefiting is sitting at one table, then when?”
