The Day They Arrived
Three days after I received the keys, Grant pulled into the driveway in his leased silver SUV.
Darlene sat beside him.
The back of the vehicle was packed full — suitcases, storage boxes, lamps, framed pictures, and several large bags of clothing.
I stepped outside and looked at the pile.
“Why does your mother have all her belongings with her?” I asked.
Grant closed the car door and smiled, as if he had planned something wonderful.
“Mom’s apartment lease ended early,” he said. “She’ll stay here for a while.”
Darlene walked right past me without saying hello.
She stepped inside, glanced around the living room, and nodded slowly.
“This is far nicer than I expected,” she said. “Grant, I always knew you would eventually give us a beautiful home.”
Us.
That single word made my stomach tighten.
“Grant didn’t buy this house,” I said. “I did.”
Darlene gave a light, dismissive laugh.
“Of course, dear. You may have signed some papers, but everyone knows Grant’s career made this possible.”
Grant avoided meeting my eyes.
Then he put his arm around his mother’s shoulders.
“Let’s not argue over small details on our first day here,” he said. “Come upstairs, Mom — you should see the view from the master bedroom.”
I followed them immediately.
“The guest room is at the end of the hall,” I told him. “I got it ready just for her.”
But Grant kept walking.
“Mom needs more space,” he replied.
