Home Entertainment Game Technology Advertisement Part 2: For eight years, my parents made me leave the house every time my brother brought his fiance over; Mom said, “She comes from a good family, don’t embarrass us”; Dad added, “Just disappear for the weekend”; I did; then one weekend, I never came back; it took them four years to find out where I went.

I went still.

“She became ill quickly.”

“She spent much of her remaining time trying to protect assets she believed your parents might take if she died.”

I looked away.

Grandma had lasted nine months.

I had visited twice.

Mom always insisted I come on weekdays because Mitch and Avery might be there on weekends.

Grandma never told me.

Another adult deciding I was not ready.

Mara seemed to understand my anger.

“She should have told you.”

“Yes.”

“She was afraid your parents would retaliate financially.”

“They were already charging me rent.”

“I know.”

That surprised me.

“She knew that?”

“She kept notes.”

Of course she did.

Mara pushed a yellow legal pad toward me.

Grandma's handwriting.

Stacey alive. Working at garden center. Elaine still making her leave when Lockhearts come. Carl says insurance matter “cannot be undone.”

Elaine.

My mother.

Carl.

My father.

I stared at those names as if they belonged to strangers.