again. Her voice was no longer weak

"Your husband, Michael, he makes good

ilent, bra

Leo's expenses. That way, your teaching salary, it can

ng. "Mom, Michael's salary is our m

to a free legal aid lawyer. They said you have a moral

no moral obligation to support me, o

sibility. David's responsibility. No

"You have that condo, all that money from

Grandma Betty's money was for me. And

hissed, her voice filled with v

she h

nsettling. What co

lready low-contact, but this felt differ

new life. My parents had made the

informal christening gathering at our condo. Just a few close friends, Michael's parents, my Aunt Carol and Uncle Joe – my fa

r recent behavior, I couldn't imagine

friends cooed over Leo. Aunt C

e doorbe

eart lurched when I heard my mo

our living room, uninvited,

the room, a contemptu

g a conversation. "Having a party, are we?