“Sweetheart, you do realize that without me, you wouldn’t have any success, right?” she said. “I’m the one who made sure you were raised by this woman so you’d turn out well. I only need half of your business. That’s fair.” She added, “And your car. You wouldn’t have it without me. I sacrificed my body and my youth. I chose to have you. I chose where to leave you. That choice made your life.”
Anger surged through me. I thought of my mom at every milestone. My mom folding shirts. My mom showing up again and again while this woman disappeared. I wanted to yell. Instead, something cold and precise settled in. I smiled. “You know what?” I said. “You’re right.”
Her shoulders loosened. “I knew you’d understand,” she said. “You are connected to my success,” I said. “If you hadn’t given birth to me, I wouldn’t exist. So yes, I’ll give you something. I’ll write you a check. I’ll even give you my car.”
Her eyes widened. “Oh, sweetheart,” she said. “I was so afraid you’d be ungrateful.” “There’s one condition,” I said. She leaned closer. “Of course. What is it?”
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