“Living here,” I cut in, “rent-free, bill-free, responsibility-free.”
Then I smiled again.
“A condition that ends tonight.”
The officer handed Jeffrey a folded paper. “This is the legal notice Ms. Bennett requested I deliver in person. You have thirty days to vacate the property.”
Jeffrey staggered backward as if the paper weighed a hundred pounds. “You’re kicking us out?”
“No,” I said kindly. “You kicked yourselves out.”
The room was silent again—except this time, no one was blinking in shock.
They were nodding. Agreeing. Understanding.
For once, they saw me.
I reached for my crutches and turned toward the dining room.
“Now,” I said gently, “let’s have Christmas dinner. Those who treat me with respect may stay.”
I didn’t have to tell Jeffrey and Hannah what that meant.
They already knew.
