I never imagined "double treatment" meant billing me to visit my own mother.
"Brother." My voice came out quiet. "Do you really think I should pay to stay in my own home?"
Raymond had loved me once.
Dad died early. Mom worked constantly. Raymond braided my hair with clumsy fingers. Saved his breakfast money for my cotton candy. Took punches from bullies meant for me. Put the last piece of meat in my bowl. Stayed up all night when I had fevers, stroking my hair. Don't be afraid, Sarah. Big brother is here.
That brother loved me most. He shouldn't be like Diana. He shouldn't treat me like a stranger to fleece.
But the man before me was a stranger. He frowned, annoyed. "Don't be so calculating. Diana manages this household. It isn't easy. Your visit increased our expenses."
My heart turned to ice.
I looked at their faces. Greedy. Self-righteous. Expectant.
"Okay."
I transferred ten thousand on the spot.
The tension vanished. Raymond and Diana beamed, pocketing the money without shame. They grabbed Mom, chattering about plans, and left the next day for a luxury trip—funded by my "lodging fee."
They left happy.
They had no idea what awaited them when they returned.