But it was precisely because of all that caretaking that it had somehow become my obligation.
Even Aunt Patricia chimed in on the group chat: "Jennifer, I know this past year has been hard on you!"
"And I've already promised—once Derek comes back, he'll make it up to you!"
"Besides, it's the holidays! You just up and left, and now I can't find anyone to look after me!"
The moment she posted that, the rest of the family piled on in agreement.
I let out a cold laugh and typed back: "Sorry, but you never signed any agreement with me."
"And frankly, this isn't my responsibility."
"Isn't your son supposed to be coming back soon?"
"Since he's on his way, why don't you let him take care of you?"
"As for me—I don't need your so-called compensation."
The second I hit send, my fingers were already flying across the keyboard again: "Also, I know you all have opinions about this. Since that's the case, there's no point in me staying in this chat."
"From now on, your problems have nothing to do with me."
I sent the message and left the family group chat without a second thought.
I'd been disgusted with every last person in that group for a long time. All they ever did was guilt-trip me. That was the full extent of their usefulness.
After hanging up, I thought for a moment, then called Mr. Lawson.
"Mr. Lawson, isn't the company looking to send someone overseas?"
"I'd like to volunteer."
There was a beat of surprised silence on the other end.
Before the holidays, he'd posted in the company chat asking if anyone was willing to help expand the business abroad after the break. At the time, hardly anyone had been interested. The world was unstable, and the assignment meant living overseas for several years. Even with higher pay and a promotion on the table, most people had turned it down.
I hadn't wanted to go either, originally.
But thinking about that circus of relatives, I realized that putting an ocean between us might be the best thing I could do for myself.
The moment that thought crystallized, I said yes without hesitation.
Mr. Lawson told me he'd take care of all the arrangements. When I mentioned I'd need to sell my apartment before leaving, he made a decision on the spot—the company would buy it outright and convert it into employee housing.
He even offered twenty percent above market value.
I accepted without a moment's hesitation. I knew exactly why he was being so generous—he wanted to lock me in before I could change my mind.
After we hung up, I went right back to enjoying my trip.
I took photo after photo, filling my camera roll until it was bursting. Looking at all those pictures, I felt a quiet certainty settle over me. The way things stood now, I wasn't the least bit afraid of those two shameless women stirring up trouble.
I spent the entire day out exploring, and by the time I dragged myself back to the hotel, I didn't even bother showering. I collapsed onto the bed and was out cold the instant my head hit the pillow.
I was that exhausted.
Somewhere in the haze of deep sleep, my phone rang.
Aunt Patricia's voice came through, tight with panic: "Jennifer, come quick! I fell!"
The sound jolted me awake like a bucket of ice water. It was exactly the same as last time—the same call, the same desperate tone, the same hour of the night.
Last time, I'd scrambled out of bed and rushed to her apartment without a second thought.
But this time around? Why would I care whether she lived or died?
"Aunt Patricia, I'm traveling. And at this hour, I couldn't get a flight back even if I wanted to."
"You've got enough energy to call me—why not call Uncle Harold instead?"
Silence stretched across the line.
Then her voice came back, sharp and urgent: "Jennifer, you book a flight back right now!"
