Most of that money went directly into Melissa and Grant’s account because Grant said contractors needed immediate access to the funds for renovations.
I did not insist on a written agreement.
I did not ask to have my name added to the deed.
I did not speak to an attorney.
I was her mother.
I thought that meant something stronger than paperwork.
For the first few months after I moved in, everything felt almost normal.
Melissa brought me coffee.
Grant asked whether the basement temperature was comfortable.
My grandson, Noah, crawled into my bed on Saturday mornings and begged me to make pancakes.
Then the requests started.
Small ones.
“Mom, would you mind getting Noah ready for school?”
“Could you fold this laundry while I’m out?”
“Grant has an early presentation. Can you iron his shirts?”
