The next morning, while the kids ate stale bread, my phone kept buzzing. Margaret had posted a photo of the Callahan living room online with the caption:
“True family always finds its way back home.”
People commented with sympathy, calling her strong.
Then a legal notice arrived. Patrick and Margaret were accusing me of abandoning the property and attempting to steal from Andrew’s estate.
At noon, Margaret called.
“Cynthia,” she said sweetly, “let’s be reasonable. Sign over your rights to the house, and I’ll give you $150,000. You can start over somewhere else.”
“And if I refuse?”
Her voice sharpened.
“Then we’ll prove you’re an unfit mother. You’re unstable, broke, and alone with six children. Think carefully.”
My eyes burned, but I didn’t let my voice shake.
