The housing market was terrible.
Connor’s commissions were unpredictable.
Megan’s freelance work was “about to take off.”
Evelyn had believed every version of the story because mothers are often the last people to admit when love has been converted into usefulness.
She paid the increased utilities without complaint.
She bought groceries for six, then eight, then ten when Megan’s family started staying over “just for the holidays.” She covered school expenses.
Winter coats.
Soccer registration.
Prescriptions.
Christmas gifts.
Streaming subscriptions no one asked permission to add.
And when Megan floated the idea of a luxury Christmas trip to Aspen—something “special” that her side of the
family had never experienced—Evelyn had agreed.
It was more than she should have spent.
Much more.
The lodge cost $18,500 for the week, not including transportation, food packages, spa add-ons, and the private chef Megan insisted would “keep things stress-free.” Connor had winced at the number, but he had not objected.
