that followed, Brenda' s attitude toward me didn't improve. If an

reeloading all day," I'd hear her muttering to herself as I walked b

oe had promised me she would handle it, that she would explain ever

ated Brenda's capacit

rk and silent. Wanting to avoid waking anyone, I didn't turn on any lights. I navigated the familiar path to my bedroom in

d the sheets, I knew some

on, blinding me for a second. When my eyes adjusted, I saw Brenda standing by the

ered. "Brenda? What are

me, her face darkening. "This is my daughter's house.

He took one look at me, then at his mother standing in my bedr

ou," he said, his voice hurried. "Mom de

room doesn't get enough sunlight, and she was startin

the house. But she had just taken it. She had moved my things, Chloe's things, and just m

ngs over. "Ethan, I know this was wrong. She should have aske

her day. The doctor specifically told her she needs to get more sunlight. You're such

ion. If Brenda had simply asked me, I would have said yes. But she had done it this way

he walked into the bedroom, saw the changed decor, saw her

ove into Ethan's and my room? You need

oming, I decided to be the bigger person. I let ou

, my voice flat. "B

t my and Chloe's things? It's late

voice sharp and righteous. "You and Chloe are no

ed to argue with her. "Fine,"

to know where my

way, toward the very end. "We put your thi

Liam, are you serious? You want

d one small window that looked out onto a brick wall. The lighting was te

ive-aggressive remarks. "Well, if you think the maid's room doesn't get enough l

a short, bitter sound. "If the attic is so grea

. "Ethan, it's the middle of winter. The attic doesn't eve

ctly, Liam. It's below freezing outside. Who

n his words a

brother, pulled me aside and

l sort this out. I will fix this as soon as possible

he sake of keeping what little peace was le

ed next would c