Chapter 3: The Choice That Changed Everything
Within days, the video spread through the family.
Relatives who had ignored Mara during the funeral suddenly understood why.
Several admitted Judith had been privately telling everyone that Mara had abandoned her father during his illness.
Hospital visitor records proved otherwise.
Mara had visited almost every day.
Paige rarely came at all.
Judith refused to leave the house.
"You can't throw your own mother onto the street!"
Mara looked around the dining room where she had spent years trying to earn affection that never existed.
Then she quietly answered,
"No."
Judith smiled.
"I knew you'd forgive me."
"You misunderstood."
Mara handed her a folder.
"I've already purchased a small condominium nearby."
Judith frowned.
"You...what?"
"You'll own it outright."
"And I'll cover one year of expenses."
Paige interrupted.
"That's all?"
Mara turned toward her sister.
"Dad already gave you more than enough."
"I'm simply refusing to finance the next twenty years."
For the first time, Paige had no argument.
Only silence.
Weeks later, Paige appeared unexpectedly at the workshop.
She looked exhausted.
Older somehow.
"I watched Dad's video again."
Mara remained quiet.
"I kept believing Mom because it was easier."
Paige looked down.
"I thought you were the favorite."
Mara laughed softly.
"We both lost."
Paige nodded.
"Yeah."
Neither woman pretended decades of pain disappeared overnight.
May you like
But for the first time...
They spoke honestly.
