With a washing basket, Ava passed. “Do you drive it?” I requested.
Shaking her head. “No. They use. I hardly go out anymore. Not enough time.”
That simple statement slammed me.
They stole more than her space. Her freedom was seized. Her voice. Her joy. Now I saw how little she had become at home, trying not to offend and keeping the peace.
And Jacob? He was on another work trip, uninformed or unwilling to witness what was happening at home. Maybe he didn’t know. Maybe Ava didn’t tell him. Maybe she believed it wasn’t worth it.
I saw my daughter—pale, quiet, and too polite to beg for more—and knew I couldn’t leave things.
Change was needed.
I invited everyone into the kitchen that afternoon. Linda followed, groaning and sitting cross-legged. Charles shuffled in, remote in hand.
“Is this a meeting?” smirking, she said.
I inhaled and started.
“I’ve been here for two days,” I responded gently. I’ve seen my daughter cook, clean, wash, and drive. You two rest like vacationers.”
Linda laughed dryly. We’re visitors. We ignore housemaid schedules.”
No blinking. You’re not visitors. You’ve lived here months. Eat, wash, do laundry, drive—without lifting a finger.”
Charles asked, “What’s your point?”
“My point is simple,” I said. This house’s residents contribute. “Ava is not your maid.”
Rolling her eyes, Linda. “You can’t change the rules here. Jacob’s home. Not yours.”
“No. It’s not Jacob’s house, I said. It’s mine.”
They both froze.
“What are you discussing?” Charles asked, louder.
“I bought this house. The deed is mine. I bought the automobile too. It’s registered.”
I’d never seen Linda’s face this crimson. Her mouth opened and closed.
Finally, “You’re joking,” she said.
“I’m not,” I said. “I gave Ava this house to enjoy when the time was right. However, I own it legally.”
Linda moved forward. Nowhere else to go! You can’t expel us!”
As usual, I stared at her calmly. That’s not Ava’s job. Or mine.”
But we’re family—
“No,” I said. “You’re relatives, not royalty. Pull your weight to stay. If not, pack and leave.”
Ava stood transfixed, lips parted.
My tone softened as I turned to her. Sweetheart, you deserve better. You live here. You should live it realistically.”
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