Parker’s face reddened. «We’re offering you better terms than you deserve.» His voice grew louder. «You forget to turn off the water, the stove. You’re becoming a danger to yourself and to us.»
«Parker,» Odelia said warningly, putting her hand on his shoulder.
But he shook it off. «No, let him know the truth.» He jumped up, looming over the table. «We’ve put up with you for four years. You live in our house, eat our food…»
«Which I cook myself and partially pay for,» I remarked, maintaining outward calm, though my heart was pounding.
«And you dare to make demands?» Parker was almost shouting now. «You’re the worst father, living off us.»
Bridget gasped, and Odelia froze. A heavy silence hung in the room, broken only by Parker’s heavy breathing. I slowly stood up, looking my son straight in the eye.
«I’ll make sure I disappear from your life today,» I said quietly but firmly.
Parker snorted, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. He exchanged glances with Odelia, and they both smirked. «Sure, Dad,» he said condescendingly. «Where are you going to go? Sleep on a park bench?»
«Didn’t you just say I’m a danger to myself?» I asked with a bitter smile. «Make up your mind, son.»
Odelia laughed, covering her mouth with her hand. «Cedric, let’s all calm down,» she said conciliatorily. «We can discuss the details later. Right now, let’s just have dinner as a family.»
As a family! Those last two words sounded like the final nail in the coffin to me. Family. What did they know about family?
«Bridget,» I turned to my granddaughter, whose eyes were glistening with unshed tears. «I love you, baby. Don’t forget that.»
«Grandpa…» She started to get up, but Parker put his hand on her shoulder, holding her in place.
I nodded as if making a decision and left the kitchen. Behind me, I heard Odelia whisper, «He’s just upset. He’ll calm down tomorrow.»
Parker replied, «Let him get some fresh air. Where’s he going to go?»
In my room, I took my time. I took an old suitcase out of the closet, one I had brought from Miriam’s in my house. I carefully packed several sets of clothes, toiletries, and photo albums that I had collected over the years.
I took a framed photo off the shelf. Me, Miriam, and little Parker on the beach. It was easy for all of us to smile back then. I ran my finger over Miriam’s face, then over my little son’s face.
Where had that happy boy gone? When had he turned into this cold, calculating man? I wrapped the photo in a sweater and put it in my suitcase.
Then I took my account book and the folder with the documents I hadn’t given to Price from under the mattress. All of that went into the suitcase, too. I looked around to make sure I hadn’t forgotten anything important. Books, clothes, trinkets. All of these things could be replaced.
The most valuable things were already with me. I left a short note on the table.
«Parker and Odelia,
I’m going away for a couple of days to clear my head, as you advised. Don’t worry about me.
Cedric.»
I looked at my watch. It was almost nine in the evening. I could hear sounds coming from the kitchen. They were continuing dinner without me. I heard Bridget’s voice arguing with her parents.
Then Parker’s voice, sharp and irritated. «Go to your room!» A minute later, the door slammed and the house fell silent.
I waited another 10 minutes, then picked up my suitcase and phone. I quietly left through the separate entrance of the annex and headed for the street. On the driveway, I turned around one last time.
The house in which I had invested so much money and hope glowed with warm lights. But there was no longer a place for me there. I called a taxi using the app that Bridget had installed for me a month ago.
«Grandpa, this way you can go wherever you want, even when we’re busy,» she said at the time. She was a smart girl, intuitively understanding that her parents wouldn’t drive me around on my errands.
The taxi arrived in seven minutes. I gave the driver Emmett’s address, and the car pulled away. Looking out the window at Lexington Street rushing by, I felt a strange sense of relief. It was as if the weight that had been pressing on my shoulders for the past few years was beginning to lift.
My phone vibrated. A message from Bridget. «Grandpa, are you okay? Mom and Dad say you’re just being dramatic. I’m worried.»
I smiled a sad smile and replied, «I’m fine, sweetheart. I need some time. I’ll call you tomorrow. I love you.»
She replied immediately. «I love you too. Promise you’ll call?»
«I promise,» I typed and turned off my phone.
Emmett’s house was located in a prestigious neighborhood of Lexington. A large modern mansion with a well-kept garden and lighting. When the taxi stopped at the gate, I saw the front door open and Emmett appear on the threshold.
«Finally,» he exclaimed, coming down the steps to help me with my suitcase. «I thought you’d never make up your mind.»
«Were you waiting for me?» I asked in surprise, paying the taxi driver.
«Of course,» Emmett slapped me on the shoulder. «I’ve known you for half a century, Cedric. You’re not the type to put up with humiliation forever. Sooner or later, you would have said, ‘Enough is enough.'»
We entered the house. In the spacious foyer, we were greeted by Phoebe, Emmett’s third wife. A slender woman in her 50s with short blonde hair and a friendly smile.
«Cedric,» she hugged me. «I’m so glad you came. Emmett told me everything. The guest room is ready, and I’ve put out fresh linens.»
«Thank you, Phoebe. I was touched by their concern. I didn’t want to impose.»
«Nonsense,» Emmett waved it off. «Stay here as long as you need, even forever.»
«I’ll find a place to live as soon as possible,» I promised. «I have the means.»
«Don’t rush,» Emmett led me deeper into the house. «You need time to think things through. Besides, Price and I need to finish preparing the documents.»
In the guest room, bright and spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a separate bathroom, I put down my suitcase and sat on the edge of the bed. Only now did I feel how tired I was. Not physically, emotionally. Years of pent-up resentment, disappointment, and feelings of betrayal came crashing down on me all at once.
«Hey,» Emmett sat down next to me. «How are you?»
«I don’t know,» I answered honestly. «I just walked away from my own son. I practically ran away.»
«You didn’t run away,» Emmett said firmly. «You made a strategic retreat, so you can come back stronger.»
I nodded, not entirely sure that was true. But one thing I knew for sure: there was no turning back. The bridges were burned, and somewhere deep inside, beneath layers of sadness and exhaustion, I felt a tiny spark of freedom.
«What now?» I asked, looking at my old friend.
«Now you’re going to rest,» Emmett said, getting up and heading for the door. «And tomorrow we’ll start a new chapter in your life. A chapter where you’ll finally stop being a doormat.»
He paused in the doorway. «And Cedric, Miriam would be proud of you today.»
When the door closed, I lay down on the bed without undressing. The phone I turned on to answer Bridget showed three missed calls from Parker, and one message. «Dad, stop messing around. Where are you?»
I turned off my phone and closed my eyes. Tomorrow a new life would begin. But today… Today I just disappeared.
I spent the first three days at Emmett’s house in a strange stupor. I was surrounded by comfort and care. But it all seemed unreal, as if I were watching what was happening from the outside.
Parker called every day, at first irritably, then with a note of concern in his voice. I didn’t answer. But I listened to his messages.
«Dad, this isn’t funny anymore. Bridget is worried.»
«Cedric, this is Odelia. Parker is very upset. Please call us.»
«Dad, where are you? If you’re not back by tomorrow, we’re going to the police.»
On the fourth day, I finally responded. But only to Bridget’s message. «Grandpa, please tell me you’re okay. Mom and Dad are going crazy. And I’m afraid you’re somewhere alone and not doing well.»
I wrote her a short message. «Sweetheart, I’m fine. I’m safe, staying with a friend. I need some time. Don’t worry about me.»
She replied instantly. «Can I come to you? I miss you so much.»
That simple question threw me off balance more than all the previous events. I sat in Emmett’s guest room, staring at my phone screen, and felt tears welling up in my eyes. My granddaughter. The only person in that family who truly loved me.
«Soon, sweetheart. Now is not the time. I’ll call you over the weekend. I promise.»
After that, I turned off my phone again and went down to Emmett’s office, where Hugh Price was waiting for me. The lawyer had arrived as soon as I told him what had happened.
«So, Mr. Hall…» Price spread the documents on the table. «I’ve prepared a draft of the lawsuit. We need to clarify a few details.»
We spent the next two hours discussing strategy. Price suggested starting with a formal letter, offering an amicable settlement. «This often helps avoid a trial,» he explained. «People agree to compromise when they realize the alternative is a public hearing.»
«My son is not the type to easily admit his mistakes,» I shook my head. «He inherited his stubbornness from his mother.»
«Nevertheless, it’s standard procedure,» Price insisted. «Besides, if it goes to court, it will show our good faith. That we tried to resolve the conflict peacefully.»
I agreed, even though deep down I knew Parker would see the letter as a declaration of war rather than an attempt at reconciliation.
Emmett, who had been sitting in the corner of the office during our conversation, interjected, «Hugh, tell him about the odds. Don’t sugarcoat it.»
Price folded his arms on the table and looked me straight in the eye. «Mr. Hall, I won’t lie to you. This is not an easy case. Without a written agreement, we will have to prove the existence of a verbal agreement, which is always difficult.»
«However,» he raised his finger, «we have three strong arguments. First, your impeccable financial records confirming the size and purpose of the investments. Second, witness testimony, including Mr. Pryor, who was aware of the agreement from the beginning. And third, your continuous residence in the house and participation in its maintenance for four years, which confirms the existence of the agreement.»
He paused, giving me time to digest what he had said. «If the judge is objective, we have a good chance. I would estimate it at 70%.»
«And if he isn’t?» I asked.
Price shrugged slightly. «In that case, everything may depend on how convincingly your son and his wife present their version of events.»
I nodded, understanding the risks. «When will we send the letter?»
«Tomorrow morning by courier,» Price replied. «That will give them time to think about it before the weekend. If we don’t receive a response by Monday, we’ll file the lawsuit on Tuesday.»
The next day, Friday, the official letter was delivered to Parker and Odilia. I could imagine their reaction: first bewilderment, then shock, turning to rage. My phone started ringing almost immediately after the estimated delivery time, but I didn’t answer.
Instead, I went with Emmett to look at apartments. My friend insisted on this, arguing that I needed to think about the future and not dwell on the conflict.
«Look,» he said, showing me a modern studio apartment in a new building not far from the center. «It’s 10 minutes from the park, close to cafes and a library, perfect for you.»
The apartment was nice, bright with panoramic windows and a small balcony. I could imagine myself here, reading a book in an armchair by the window, having tea with Bridget. «How much?» I asked the realtor, an elderly woman with kind eyes.
«$230,000,» she replied, «but the owner is willing to discuss the price.»
I exchanged glances with Emmett. It was within my means, even with a reserve for furnishings and unexpected expenses. «I’ll think about it,» I said, feeling strangely excited. My own place, independence, a new life.
When we returned to Emmett’s that evening, a surprise awaited me. Standing on the doorstep was a teenager with a bicycle, a courier from a local delivery service. «Mr. Hall?» he asked, checking the notes on his phone. «I have a package for you.»
It was an envelope, sealed and with no return address. Inside was a letter written in Bridget’s familiar handwriting.
«Grandpa,
I don’t know what’s going on between you and Dad, but today some man came to our house with some papers, and after that, Dad yelled so loud that the neighbors almost called the police. He said terrible things about you, and Mom cried. Then they went somewhere, and when they came back, Dad was a little calmer, but still angry.
I overheard their conversation. I know it’s not right, but I was worried. Dad said you’re trying to take our house away from us. Is that true? Please explain to me what’s going on.
P.S. I found your address in Mom’s phone when she wasn’t looking. Don’t tell them I wrote to you.
Love you, your Bridget.»
I re-read the letter several times, then sat down in a chair, feeling my hands shake. Emmett waited silently, then asked, «Bad news?»
I handed him the letter. «From my granddaughter,» I said. «She’s a smart girl. Too smart for her age.»
Emmett read the note and whistled. «They were quick to get a lawyer. I wonder who advised them.»
I turned on my phone to text Bridget. The screen showed 27 missed calls and dozens of messages, from Parker, Odelia, even from several mutual acquaintances whom my son had apparently told his version of events.
The first message from Parker, sent at noon: «What the hell is that letter? Are you crazy? Call me immediately.»
The second, an hour later: «This isn’t funny, Dad. You can’t just come and take our house.»
And the last one, in the evening: «Our lawyer says you don’t stand a chance. But if you think this won’t destroy our family for good, you’re wrong.»
I ignored all the messages and wrote only to Bridget. «Honey, don’t worry. Adults sometimes argue. But that doesn’t mean they stop loving each other or you. Your dad and I do have a dispute over the house. But it won’t affect you in any way. I’ll always be there for you, even if I don’t live with you.»
«Thank you for your letter. Shall we meet tomorrow after school? I’ll wait for you at the Morningstar Cafe at 4:00. Don’t tell anyone about the meeting. Love you, Grandpa.»
After sending the message, I turned off my phone and looked at Emmett. «I’m meeting Bridget tomorrow. She should hear the truth from me, not Parker’s distorted version.»
Emmett nodded without arguing, though I could see the concern in his eyes. «Be careful. Parker could use this against you if he finds out.»
The next day, I sat in the cozy Morningstar Cafe, nervously glancing at my watch. It was 5 minutes to 4:00. Bridget wasn’t late. She was always punctual, just like me.
At exactly 4 o’clock, she entered the cafe, tall, slender, with a red ponytail, wearing a school uniform and carrying a backpack. When she saw me, she rushed across the room and hugged me tightly, burying her face in my chest.
«Grandpa,» she whispered, and I heard tears in her voice. «I missed you so much.»
«I missed you too, sweetheart.» I stroked her hair, feeling my own heart tighten with tenderness. «Come on, let’s sit down. I ordered you some hot chocolate.»
We settled in a far corner of the cafe, where acquaintances were unlikely to spot us. Bridget got straight to the point. «What’s going on? Dad says you want to take our house away from us.»
I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. «Not exactly. I want to get my share of the house, which I deserve.»
«What share?» She frowned.
«When Grandma died, I sold our old house,» I began slowly. «I gave most of the money, almost $250,000, to your dad and mom to buy the house where you now live. We agreed that I would live with you and that the house would be partly mine.»
«And what happened?»
«Your parents decided they no longer needed to honor that agreement. They wanted to send me to a nursing home and turn my room into a gym.»
Bridget’s eyes widened. «They didn’t tell me about the gym, only about the nursing home. But they said you’d be better off there.»
«What do you think?» I asked gently. «Is it better for me to be alone among strangers or to be with you?»
Her eyes filled with tears. «With me, of course. I don’t want you to leave, Grandpa.»
I took her hand. «Sweetheart, sometimes adults make decisions that they think are right, even if they hurt others. Your parents think they’re doing the right thing.»
«But it’s not fair,» she exclaimed.
«Yes,» I agreed. «That’s why I went to a lawyer, to restore justice.»
Bridget thought about it, stirring her hot chocolate with a spoon. «What will happen now?»
«If your parents agree to a compromise, we’ll settle everything peacefully. If not, the judge will decide who is right.»
«What will happen to me?» Fear sounded in her voice. «Won’t I be able to see you?»
«Nonsense,» I squeezed her hand. «We’ll always see each other. I’m looking for an apartment not far from here. You’ll have your own room, and you can come visit whenever you want.»
That seemed to calm her down a little. We spent another hour talking about school, her friends, everything except the conflict with her parents. When it was time to say goodbye, she hugged me tightly.
«Mom and Dad don’t know I’m here,» she whispered. «I told them I was going to Ellie’s to study for a test.»
«Be careful,» I said. «And remember, no matter what happens between me and your parents, I love you, and that will never change.»
She nodded, adjusted her backpack, and walked out of the cafe, turning back at the door with a sad smile.
On Monday morning, Hugh Price called me. «Mr. Hall, we’re expected at their law office at 2 o’clock. They want to discuss a settlement.»
I was surprised. Parker wasn’t the type to admit defeat easily. «Are you sure this isn’t a trap?»
«Your son’s lawyer is Martin Blake. I know him personally,» Price replied. «He wouldn’t play games like that. If he set up the meeting, it means your son is ready to negotiate.»
