As I watched them play off each other, I felt like an outsider, a chill creeping up my spine.
“Why stop? What’s so hard to say?”
Mila spoke softly, “Janet, it’s not that I’m targeting you. It’s just that when we got married, Mom agreed that you’d move out.”
Our family had come from a small town, and it was only after my brother and I worked hard in the city that the whole family relocated. There was no traditional marriage process for my brother and Mila, but that didn’t concern our mom.
“I know, I did move out, but I’m divorced now, so it shouldn’t be an issue for you.”
Mila chuckled, “Well, it seems you’re only half-informed. A married daughter shouldn’t stay long at her parents’ house, or the neighbors will gossip.”
So that’s why she’s waiting for me to leave? Is she resentful that Timmy is living here on Mom’s dime?
Before I could respond, Mila continued, “I don’t mind you staying here, especially since you help take care of Mom. But the neighbors might think Brian and I are neglectful by sending you to look after her! We can’t bear that reputation!