Chapter 13 - Rebecca Had to Stop Being “The Daughter Who Needed More”
My relationship with Rebecca changed too.
Not automatically for:
the better.
At first we bonded over:
Mom.
Dangerous.
Shared enemy can imitate:
closeness.
Then I noticed Rebecca asking:
“So are you still helping with Mom’s HOA?”
“No.”
“Oh.”
Pause.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
Old expectation.
I looked at her.
“Rebecca.”
She sighed.
“I’m just worried about her.”
“So am I.”
“Okay.”
Then another issue.
Her older daughter needed expensive orthodontic work.
Rebecca started:
“I know you’ve helped with the girls before…”
I felt my stomach tighten.
Old system.
I interrupted gently.
“Are you asking me for money?”
She looked embarrassed.
“Yes.”
“How much?”
“Three thousand.”
“Is this a gift or loan request?”
She stared.
“We’re really doing this?”
“Yes.”
Then she laughed.
“Fine.”
“Loan.”
We wrote a simple agreement.
No interest.
Twelve months.
Rebecca paid:
every month.
Why did that matter?
Not the money.
Clarity.
No:
whatever you need.
No:
you have children.
No:
family keeps score emotionally.
Just:
request.
Answer.
Terms.
Relationship afterward.
Healthy generosity is often boring.
May you like
That became a relief.
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