We could lose the house. Toby could lose his apartment. My parents will have to move into a state-run nursing home.
And it’s my responsibility to provide for all of you? I shook my head. Garrett is 54 years old. Toby is 23.
You’re a successful realtor. Why are you still dependent on my money? Because you’ve always helped! Garrett exclaimed, finally looking up. We’ve come to rely on you for support, Mom.
Exactly, I nodded. You used to. You thought it was your right, not my choice.
And when I decided to end this unhealthy dynamic, you didn’t think about why I did it, but rushed to demand everything go back to the way it was. I went to the window. There were still cars outside with Marissa’s relatives.
It was so in her nature to make a public spectacle of herself trying to shame me, to make me feel guilty. You know what the saddest part is? I turned to them. You still don’t understand what the problem is.
You think I’m just offended by the message. That it’s a whim that can be overcome with the right words or a show of family unity. I paused.
But that’s not the point. The point is that I finally saw the truth about our relationship, about how I wasn’t a mother, grandmother, or mother-in-law to you. I was an ATM, a source of funds.
And when that source dried up, you were suddenly reminded of family values. Marissa took a step toward me. Her face contorted with anger.
You ungrateful, selfish old woman, she hissed. After all we’ve done for you. What exactly have you done for me, Marissa? I asked calmly.
Tell everyone here. She was silent, her lips pressed into a thin line. Nothing, I answered for her.
You’ve done nothing for me. You tolerated my presence when it was necessary to get my money. You criticized my clothes, my house, my habits.
You turned Garrett and Toby against me. And now you’re surprised I don’t want to be a part of it anymore? I turned to Garrett. Son, I have loved you from the first day of your life.
And I will love you until the last day of mine. But I will no longer be a part of this toxic relationship. I will not finance your life.
I will not turn a blind eye to disrespect. Garrett looked lost. Mom, what do you want us to do? Do you want us to get down on our knees? Beg for forgiveness? No, Garrett.
I want you to grow up. Take responsibility for your own lives. Learn to respect not only me, but yourself.
Marissa snorted. That was a beautiful speech, Edith. Very moving.
Now let’s get back to reality. We need money. Now.
I looked at this woman. Beautiful, confident, used to getting what she wanted. And all I felt was tired.
No, Marissa, not now, not later, not ever. You can’t do this to us! She raised her voice. We’re your family.
Family isn’t just a common last name. I shook my head. It’s caring, respect, attention.
All the things I haven’t gotten from you in years. I turned to Toby and Rebecca. Kids, I love you both.
My door is always open to you, but not for asking for money. For real communication, if that’s what you want. Rebecca nodded, tears glistening in her eyes.
Toby lowered his head, avoiding my gaze. Now, I straightened. I’m going to ask you all to leave.
This conversation is over. Marissa stared at me in disbelief. You’re kicking us out? I’m asking you to leave.
I repeated. And take all of this support group you brought with you. Marissa grabbed her purse and headed for the door.
You’re going to regret this, Edith. When you’re all alone, you’ll remember this day. Garrett hesitated, glancing back and forth at his wife and me.
Mom. Garrett, go. I pushed him gently toward the door.
Think about everything I’ve said. And when you’re ready to have a real conversation, not about money, but about you and me, I’ll be here. He nodded and walked slowly toward the exit.
Toby followed him without saying a word. Only Rebecca lingered to give me a hug. I’ll call you tomorrow, Grandma, she whispered.
I’ll be waiting, dear. I stroked her cheek. When the door closed behind the last of them, I sank into the chair, feeling a strange mixture of sadness and relief.
There were excited voices coming from the courtyard. Marissa was probably telling her side of the story to the assembled relatives. I didn’t care.
I had said my last word. The phone rang. Laureen.
Edith, I just drove by your house and saw a whole delegation at the gate. What’s going on? It’s a long story, I sighed. Marissa had a family meeting.
Oh my God, Lauren hummed. How did it go? As well as could be expected. Lots of drama, little understanding.
Are you okay? Do you want me to come over? I’ve been thinking. Before I would have said no, not wanting to bother my friend with my problems. But now… Yes, Laureen, you should come.
I think I could use a friendly shoulder. I’ll be there in 20 minutes, she answered immediately. And I’ll bring that wine we tasted last time.
I smiled as I hung up the phone. Something told me that today, painful as it was, was a necessary step toward a new life. A life where I would come first.
Six months later, the Tuscan sun warmed my face as I sat on the terrace of a small restaurant, sipping a delicious local wine. Next to me, Laureen was passionately writing something in her travel journal. I can’t believe we’re really here, I said, looking at the picturesque hills covered with vineyards.
James would be so happy. He’d be proud of you. Laureen raised her glass.
To the new Edith! I smiled, clinking my glass with my friends. A lot had changed in those six months. Since that family meeting, Garrett and Marissa had made several more attempts to influence me, from threats of a lawsuit which quickly subsided after I consulted a lawyer, to Garrett’s surprise visit with a bouquet of flowers and an apology, which as it turned out, was again followed by a request for money.
I remained adamant. Gradually, their attempts became less and less frequent, and then stopped altogether. As I learned from Rebecca, they were forced to sell the house and move to a smaller apartment.
Marissa had taken on an extra job, and Garrett was finally starting to take the initiative in managing the family finances. Toby, to my surprise, accepted a job offer with Francis Whittaker and seemed to have found himself in the legal field. We saw each other a few times, awkward but gradually becoming more sincere meetings where there were no requests for money or recriminations.
Rebecca remained the only person in the family with whom I kept in regular communication. She called every week, stopped by to visit, and shared her news and plans. She was the one who insisted that I not put off the trip to Italy I had dreamed of for so long.
What are you thinking about? Laurene asked, interrupting my thoughts. About how much my life has changed in the past six months. I took another sip of wine.
Who would have thought that at seventy-seven I’d be starting over? Laurene laughed. You’ve always been stronger than you thought, Edith. You just finally let that strength show through.
I nodded, looking out at the setting sun coloring the hills in golden hues. Laurene was right. All my life I’d given my power to others’ husbands, son, his family.
It was only now, in my old age, that I’d finally found the courage to use it for myself. My phone vibrated a message from Rebecca with a picture of her new apartment. Grandma, I can’t wait for you to come back and see everything with your own eyes.