Without hesitation, Greta responded, "Janina, before, you could make money and support the family, so we all got along. But now, you're just an ex-con. Finding a decent job or a husband will be nearly impossible. In your situation, what can you do but leech off us? Why should we still treat you well?"
My heart sank, and I asked painfully, "So, because I'm no longer useful and might be a burden, you don't care about me anymore?"
"Nina, it's not our fault," Melanie looked at me and finally said, "Another mouth to feed isn't something we can afford. You're better off finding a place to rent and taking care of yourself instead of being a burden to us."
"I'm a burden?"
I looked at Melanie with a pained expression. "Mom, you were the ones who begged me in tears to take the fall for James. You said if I did, I'd be the savior of this family, and you'd repay me no matter what.
"Now, I just got out and haven't even had a sip of water at home, and suddenly, I'm a burden?
"I've given so much for this family. I handed over all my wages, contributed to buying this house, and even served two years in prison for James. Doesn't that entitle me to a room in my own home?"