Rosie said I was strong and asked what happened to that woman. I said bitterly that she grew old and was left alone.
Rosie waved a hand and called that nonsense. She said she was not getting any younger and her husband had died too.
But she said she did not let anyone walk all over her. I said nothing as I stared out the café window.
Folsom had changed and gotten more crowded. Or maybe I had changed and become easier to overlook.
Rosie pushed a plate of lemon pie toward me and told me to eat because I had lost weight. I picking up my fork because it was pointless to argue with her.
I told her that everything was the same. Melinda bosses everyone around while Phillip keeps quiet.
They treat everything in the house as theirs. They criticize me if I touch their things.
Melinda finds fault with every little thing. She says I did not wash the dishes properly or that I listen to the radio too loudly.
Rosie asked what Phillip says to all of this. I said he says nothing or just brushes it off.
He says I know Melinda and she just likes to be in control. Rosie snorted at that excuse.
She asked about the grandkids. I said Skyler understands and tries to stand up for me.
Jace has retreated into his own world of games and headphones. We used to walk and talk a lot but now he hardly leaves his room.
Rosie said the situation was clearly not healthy for any of us. She told me I had to do something.
I asked what exactly I should do since they have been with me for three years. They do not have money for their own place.
Rosie said I did not have to throw them out but I did need to set boundaries. She said it was my home and I deserved respect.
I fell silent as her words echoed through me. Something stirred inside me, but it quickly faded because I was terrified of being alone.
I promised to think about it. Rosie snorted skeptically but changed the subject to a new computer system at the library.
I got home around five with groceries. Phillip usually did the shopping but today he was working overtime.
The apartment was unusually quiet. Jace’s door was closed and Skyler was at a friend’s house.
Muffled voices drifted from the master bedroom. I quietly went into the kitchen and started unpacking the groceries.
Melinda’s voice cut through the closed door as she asked if he was serious about the fifteen thousand dollars. I froze and listened even though I knew it was wrong.