and proposed a budget. Mom initially approved. FindSupermarkets
“We thought they were becoming responsible,” she acknowledged. Later, Derek proposed redirecting my monthly support into a separate account supposedly meant to simplify expense tracking.
“Did you agree?”
“We thought it was still our account,” Dad replied. So my deposits cleared, yet the money wasn’t necessarily reaching my parents.
“And the house?”
Dad’s expression tightened.
“Still ours.”
“You’re sure?”
“Inez will confirm it.”
“No,” he insisted. “I mean I’m sure.”
He retrieved a metal tin from under his bed. It held tax receipts, insurance paperwork, old photographs and yellowing envelopes.
“The deed Derek knows about is in the filing cabinet,” Dad explained. “A copy.”
“And the original?”
He raised the rusty key, prompting me to examine it again.
“What does that have to do with the original?”
Dad got to his feet.
“Come with me.”
Mom stood at once.
“Manuel.”
“It’s time.”
