In the middle of that argument, they'd caught me off guard and shoved me down the stairs together.
Kay's drawn-out sighs pulled me back to the present.
"Jeanette, if it's too much trouble, then forget it." She let out a weary breath. "I've got surgery in a few days and I'll need someone to look after me, but I don't want to be a burden on you."
Not this time. In this life, I would never fall for their tricks again. I was going to stay far away from every last one of them and build a real life with my daughter.
I looked at Kay's sallow, sickly face.
My heart didn't soften. Not even a little. Instead, I squeezed out a few tears.
"Reg just passed. My heart is shattered. I really don't have it in me to look after anyone else right now." I drew a shaking breath. "I've been crying nonstop. Every time I close my eyes, all I see is him covered in blood."
My voice cracked. "If it weren't for Caroline being so young... maybe... maybe I would've followed him."
Kay clearly hadn't expected that answer. Her mouth opened, then closed again.
Matthew stepped forward immediately to fill the silence.
"We're not asking you to take care of Mom. It's more like... we just want you two to keep each other company."
Leila came up and took my hand, her expression arranged into something resembling sincerity.
"Jeanette, Matthew's right. You and Mom have always been the closest. We just want you to be there with her." She squeezed my fingers. "We won't ask you to do any caretaking. We'll hire a home aide for both of you, on our dime."
Just like that, they'd maneuvered me onto a pedestal so high I couldn't refuse without looking heartless.
The relatives and friends gathered around clearly thought I should agree. One by one, they chimed in.
"Jeanette, you and your mother-in-law can keep each other company. That way you'll both have someone to lean on."
"Matthew and Leila are offering to pay for a home aide. You won't have to lift a finger."
"Just say yes. You're emotionally fragile right now. You need someone around."
"Exactly. If anything happens, it's easier when you're together."
"A home aide can look after you, your mother-in-law, and little Caroline. It's a win-win."
Easy for them to say. None of this was landing on their shoulders. They could toss out advice without bearing a shred of the responsibility.
No matter how many of them ganged up on me, I was not going to take on the burden of caring for Kay Perry.
I lifted a hand and dabbed at my tears, letting my expression crumble into something fragile and pitiful.
"I'm in terrible shape right now. My parents have been begging me to come home. I want to take Caroline and stay with them for a few days." I looked at Matthew, my eyes red-rimmed. "Once I've had a chance to pull myself together, we can talk about this. Is that okay?"
The moment the words left my mouth, I let out a few quiet sobs.
Caroline toddled over and tugged at the hem of my pants.
"Mommy, don't cry."
The relatives shifted uncomfortably, their expressions softening with guilt.
"Matthew... Jeanette's had it rough too. Maybe just drop it for now."
"She's been running herself ragged since Reg's funeral. Look at her face. Let her rest a few days before bringing this up again."
"Yeah, I agree. Give her some space."
Kay, Matthew, and Leila's expressions flickered, a shadow passing across all three faces in unison.
I didn't spare them another glance.
Using my poor health as an excuse, I took Caroline's hand and left as quickly as I could.
The second we got home, I called a realtor to list the house.
Then I started the paperwork for Caroline's school transfer.
I was taking my daughter and getting out. Far enough that Kay and her family could never sink their claws into us again.
Caroline stared up at me with wide, curious eyes.
"Mommy, how come I have to switch schools?"
"And how come we're selling the house?"
She was too young for the truth. I smiled and reached down to smooth her hair.
"Because we're going to live with Grandma and Grandpa from now on. And to make it easier for you to get to school, we need to transfer you somewhere closer."
She thought about it for a moment, not quite understanding, then nodded. "Okay!"
