I came home to visit my elderly mother, but when I offered to help bathe her, she shrank back in terror

“Let’s not fight.”

His performance was almost convincing.

He gestured toward the empty chair.

“Sit down, Elena.”

I sat.

The longer I kept them talking, the safer Mother remained.

Julian served me a slice of roast chicken.

“I know this is difficult for you,” he began. “You haven’t seen the daily decline. Mom forgets conversations. She accuses us of taking things. Last week she claimed Chloe locked her in the pantry.”

“Did Chloe lock her in the pantry?”

Chloe’s eyes sharpened.

“Of course not.”

“Then why would she say that?”

“Because she’s ill.”

Julian sighed.

“We didn’t want to worry you.”

“That was thoughtful.”

He mistook my calmness for surrender.

“We have arranged a place for her,” he continued. “A beautiful facility with trained staff.”

“Willow Haven?”

Both of them froze.

Only for a second.

But I saw it.

Chloe recovered first.

“Did she tell you?”

“Yes.”

Julian gave a tired laugh.

“Then she probably also told you we’re stealing from her.”

“She mentioned concerns about her finances.”

“There it is.” He spread his hands. “Paranoia. Another symptom.”

“Why doesn’t she have her phone?”

“She dropped it.”

“She said you smashed it.”

His face changed slightly.

“See what I mean?”

I picked up my water glass.

“When is the van coming?”

“Nine tomorrow morning,” Chloe answered. “It’s better if you leave before then. Your presence may cause a scene.”

“I’m staying.”

Chloe’s mouth tightened.

Julian stared at me.