Pretending To Be In A Tight Spot, I Asked For One Safe Night Indoors. My Well-Off Kids Said It Wouldn’t Work. Only My Youngest Son, A Teacher, Took Me In, Ready To Sell His Wedding Ring To Cover Groceries. Next Morning, My Lawyer Arrived With A $100m Check, And Their Expressions Changed…

“We think it would be best if you moved in with us,” Sandra said. “Or maybe into one of those nice senior communities, somewhere with medical support on site.”

“And your house?” I asked, though I already knew the answer. “We could handle the sale for you,” Donald offered, his tone suggesting he was doing me a tremendous favor.

“The real estate market is strong right now. You’d get a good price, and we could help you invest the proceeds wisely.”

I studied their faces, seeing the carefully hidden eagerness beneath their expressions of concern. They’d probably already researched the property value, maybe even talked to a realtor.

The house was worth close to 2 million in today’s market. Waterfront property in Newport didn’t depreciate. “What about my medication?” I asked quietly.

Sandra’s face softened slightly. “Mom, we know the cancer treatments are expensive, but if you’re living with us, we can help manage your care. Maybe look into some more cost effective options.”

Cost effective.

The phrase hung in the air like a death sentence. I thought about the pills in my kitchen. the chemotherapy appointments that gave me a fighting chance.

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