Chapter 3 - A Mother’s Hidden Fear
Back in the kitchen, Lorraine held her hands tightly together.
Graham knelt beside her chair.
“Mom, I need the truth.”
She looked toward Mallory before answering.
“She took my phone two days ago. She said I was no longer allowed to call you unless she listened.”
Mallory shook her head.
“That is ridiculous. She gets confused.”
Lorraine continued.
“She changed the code to the guest room and told the staff not to help me. She said you wanted me moved into a care facility after you returned.”
Graham slowly turned toward Mallory.
“Did you say that?”
Mallory folded her arms.
“I said we might need to discuss professional care. Your mother has become impossible.”
“This is her home.”
“It was your father’s home. Now it belongs to you.”
Lorraine closed her eyes.
Graham noticed a small red mark across her wrist. He did not know how it had happened, but he knew his mother had not felt safe.
His voice became quiet.
“Pack your things and leave.”
Mallory stared at him.
“You cannot be serious.”
“I said leave.”
She stepped closer and lowered her voice.
“Think carefully, Graham. You already gave up your marriage for us.”
The words struck him with brutal clarity.
May you like
He had given up Willa, but not because anyone forced him.
He had done it willingly.
