Chapter 15 - THE HOUSE DECISION
The sixty-day deadline arrived.
Margaret and my father could not afford the mortgage, taxes, and upkeep on the large house.
My father wanted to sell.
Margaret refused.
“That house is our family history,” she said during a meeting with Claire.
“It is also owned by Daniel’s company,” Claire replied.
Margaret looked at me.
“You promised we could stay for life.”
“I promised while the arrangement remained respectful.”
“You are using the house to force an apology.”
“No.”
“I am offering three options.”
They could rent the property at a reduced rate.
They could move into a smaller home the property company would help finance.
Or the house could be sold, with part of the equity set aside for their housing.
Margaret rejected all three.
“You want Emily living there.”
Emily spoke for the first time.
“I never want to live in that house again.”
Margaret looked surprised.
She had imagined everyone wanted what she possessed.
The dining room.
The chandelier.
The address.
The authority associated with hosting holidays.
Emily wanted peace more than architecture.
My father selected the smaller-home option.
Margaret refused until Claire explained that the company would begin formal eviction if no agreement was signed.
She signed.
The old house was sold three months later.
A family with four children purchased it.
On moving day, Margaret stood in the empty dining room.
The wall looked pale where the Christmas tree had stood.
“This is Emily’s fault,” she whispered.
My father shook his head.
“No.”
“It is ours.”
Margaret turned toward him.
“You are taking her side too?”
“I am finally taking responsibility.”
May you like
He carried the final box outside.
Margaret followed because there was nothing left inside to control.
