“Mom, Ellie is refusing to let us stay.”
My mother’s face changed.
She looked at me with the expression she had perfected over forty years.
Not anger.
Disappointment.
Somehow, disappointment always hurt more.
“Eleanor.”
“Mom.”
“What happened to you?”
I almost laughed.
Instead, I answered honestly.
“Nothing happened to me.”
She frowned.
“I raised you better than this.”
“No.”
Her eyes widened.
“You raised me to take care of everyone.”
I swallowed.
“And I learned.”
My voice shook.
“But somewhere along the way, everyone forgot to teach me that I was allowed to take care of myself.”
My mother’s expression softened for half a second.
Then hardened again.
“We are family.”
“I know.”
“Family helps each other.”
“I agree.”
“Then help your brother.”
“I have.”
Kevin looked at her.
She continued.
“He has children.”
“I know.”
“They deserve a vacation.”
“They do.”
“So let them stay.”
I shook my head.
