My son m0cked me for buying a sapphire necklace on my 69th birthday. That night, I canceled the 16 payments supporting his luxurious lifestyle.

I wasn’t trying to create chaos. GetWriting Tools

I was ending an arrangement that should never have become permanent.

Shortly after midnight, I emailed Daniel.

I explained that I wanted all discretionary support for Brandon’s household discontinued according to the applicable terms.

I also asked him to coordinate with my attorney, Susan Blake.

Daniel replied almost immediately.

Evelyn, are you certain?

I looked toward Thomas’s photograph.

Then I typed:

Yes. My son says I need to stop paying for unnecessary things.

For once, I’m following his advice.

The next morning, Brandon called repeatedly.

I was making coffee when his name appeared on my phone. GetWriting Tools

I let it ring.

Then another call came.

And another.

By eight o’clock, there were seven missed calls.

Finally, I answered.

“Good morning, Brandon.”

“Mom, what is going on?”

“What seems to be the problem?”

“My card just got rejected at the gas station!”