Chapter 5 - Christopher Began Calling Transfers to Florence “Repayment”
The first unusual transfer appeared nineteen months before I left.
$2,250 — FLORENCE COLE
I asked:
“What’s that?”
Christopher answered without looking up:
“Mom.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“I’m paying her back.”
“For?”
“The HELOC.”
That was the first time I learned the original amount.
“How much do you still owe?”
He hesitated.
“Some.”
“How much?”
“I don’t know exactly.”
That answer irritated me immediately.
“You have been repaying a loan for years and don’t know the balance?”
“It isn’t a bank.”
“Then it should be easier.”
He became defensive.
“She saved my ass before we even met.”
“I’m not criticizing that.”
“It sounds like you are.”
“No.”
“I’m asking for a number.”
Christopher promised to find:
records.
Never did.
The following month:
another $2,250.
Then another.
I noticed.
I did not push.
Why?
Work.
We were in the middle of integrating two hospital networks after a major acquisition.
My days began at:
6:30 a.m.
Ended:
late.
Home felt like:
the place I wanted fewer problems.
So I said:
“Just make sure House Fund stays on track.”
Christopher replied:
“Of course.”
That sentence became:
May you like
dangerous.
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