Still, I kept paying rent.
Then one evening, Mom came downstairs carrying a folded sheet of paper.
“We need to talk,” she said.
I honestly thought she was finally going to ask Ryan to contribute financially.
Instead, she said, “With Ryan’s family here, utilities have increased. Starting next month, we need eleven hundred from you.” Family
I stared at her. “Ryan pays nothing.”
Mom’s expression hardened immediately. “Ryan has children. His situation is different.”
“I’ve paid rent for nine years.”
“And we appreciate that,” she replied. “But you’re single. You have fewer responsibilities.”
That night, I didn’t argue. I didn’t cry in front of her. I simply nodded.
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