Chapter 3 – Choosing My Real Family
Emma remained in the hospital for four days.
Doctors ordered complete bed rest.
No stress.
No lifting.
No household chores.
When I returned to the apartment to collect her clothes, I already knew nothing would ever be the same.
The living room looked exactly as I'd left it.
Broken television included.
My sisters glared at me.
My mother crossed her arms.
"You're paying for a new TV."
I stared at her.
"No."
"You broke it."
"You threw it."
"I was cleaning up the biggest mistake I've ever made."
Her face twisted.
"What mistake?"
"I confused obligation with love."
The room fell silent.
I walked to the hallway closet.
Packed every piece of Emma's clothing.
Our baby's tiny blankets.
The crib we'd bought together.
Everything.
My oldest sister laughed.
"You'll be back."
"You always come back."
I smiled sadly.
"No."
"I won't."
Then I placed an envelope on the table.
"This month's rent is already paid."
"Next month's isn't."
My mother's eyes widened.
"What does that mean?"
"It means you're all adults."
"It's time to pay your own bills."
"You can't abandon your family!"
I looked at her one last time.
"My family is waiting for me at the hospital."
And I left.
May you like
This time...
Forever.
