I Said “No” To Babysitting Once For A Doctor’s Appointment. My Son’s Response: “The Locks Have Been Updated. Please Don’t Come By Right Now.” So I Came Back A Week Later… With A Realtor To Sell The Very House I BOUGHT FOR THEM.

“We’re tired of it. You should worry about your own life.”

That sentence hit me like a hammer. A few dollars.

I secured this house with over $20,000. Not to mention what I paid for the roof repairs, Isabella’s preschool, and Nick’s insurance. Every month, I send them something so they don’t drown in expenses.

And now that was just a few dollars. I wanted to scream. I wanted to list every penny, every day I broke my back for them.

But the words wouldn’t come out. Laura went back inside and slammed the door. The sound of the deadbolt was like a final judgment.

I stood there looking at the steps. The basket I had brought two days ago was still there. Some oatmeal cookies I made for Isabella.

A jar of honey I had warmed up that morning for Nick. All of it was covered in ants, as if nobody cared. I picked it up with trembling hands.

Then put it back down. There was no point anymore. I walked away.

Dragging my feet down the street I once knew so well. My knees hurt. But my chest hurt more.

No one looked at me. No one asked anything. I just heard one phrase in my head over and over like a bell.

Just for saying no one time, I was kicked out of the family I gave everything for. I got home after dark. The room was silent.

Only the ceiling fan whirring. I sat in the chair and hugged my knees. The box of medicine the doctor gave me was there, untouched.

I looked at it. Then out the window where the light from the street lamp barely came in. I felt empty.

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