When Brandon’s mother, Susan, needed emergency knee replacement surgery, I took three full weeks of unpaid leave from work so I could act as her primary caregiver.
When his other brother Liam lost his position at work, we covered his monthly rent for two straight terms without asking him to repay a single dollar.
When Brandon wanted to trade in his old sedan and upgrade to a luxury vehicle, I emptied my personal account to cover the remaining balance.
I had never kept a strict record of those sacrifices.
I had believed that was simply what real families were supposed to do for one another.
Then Brandon pointed directly at my face and gave me an ultimatum.
“Either your mother leaves this apartment tonight, or you decide right now what matters more to you: her or this marriage.”
I looked into his cold eyes.
And to my own surprise, I smiled.
