“So you’re paying more for less just to prove a point,” she said.
“I’m paying for independence,” I replied. “For peace. For a home with no strings.”
“You’ll regret this,” she warned. “When your car breaks down or you have a medical expense, you’ll come crawling back.”
I swallowed hard, feeling the old fear rise. The fear of being unsupported.
“I’d rather struggle on my own terms,” I said, “than be comfortable under someone else’s control.”
Telli
I found her on my sofa, as usual, lounging with her phone, the TV murmuring. The living room smelled like perfume and leftover food.
“I’m moving out at the end of the month,” I said.
She blinked, confused. “What? Are Mom and Dad kicking us out?”
“No,” I said. “They doubled my rent. I found a new place.”
“What about me?” she demanded immediately, like the question was obvious.
