TOW EVERY VEHICLE

In December, Carter learned from an old family friend that his parents had listed their suburban home for sale.

He immediately called Richard.

“Why are you selling the house?”

“We made a decision.”

“To pay Chloe’s debts?”

“She’s our daughter.”

“And where will you live?”

“We’ll figure it out.”

Carter heard Evelyn speaking in the background.

Richard lowered his voice.

“Your mother believes we could stay with you for a few months.”

Carter gripped his phone.

“No.”

“You have four bedrooms.”

“The number of rooms doesn’t matter.”

“You live alone.”

“That doesn’t make the house available.”

Richard became angry. “We are selling our home to save your sister.”

“I didn’t ask you to do that.”

“You shouldn’t have to ask us to protect this family.”

“Then protect it without taking my home.”

Richard accused him of being cold and ungrateful. He reminded Carter of school fees, childhood vacations, and every meal they had provided while he was growing up.

Carter listened in silence.

When his father finally stopped, Carter said, “Raising your child was your responsibility. It wasn’t a loan.”

Richard hung up.

The house sold in early January.

After paying the mortgage and Chloe’s debts, his parents had enough money left to rent a modest apartment for several years. Carter found three suitable properties and emailed them the details.

Evelyn never responded.

Instead, Chloe sent him a message.

You’ll regret treating us like strangers.

Carter saved the message.

Two weeks later, his parents moved into a furnished rental near Chloe.

Carter believed the situation was settled.

He was wrong.

The rental lasted only four months.

Chloe began using her parents’ remaining savings. First, she needed help replacing the yellow sedan’s transmission. Then she needed money for legal expenses. Then she announced she was developing another business idea and required “temporary investment capital.”

By May, Richard and Evelyn could no longer afford their apartment.