Then answered carefully.
“I hope you build a life you can afford, Brandon.”
His shoulders dropped.
“I thought Dad wanted us to have everything.”
“Your father wanted you to have opportunities. He also wanted you to learn how to support yourself.”
Brandon stared at the floor.
For a moment, I saw the young boy who had once helped Thomas repair machinery in the workshop.
The teenager who’d worked all summer to pay for damage he’d accidentally caused to a neighbor’s car. CompareCards
The young man who’d been proud of earning his first paycheck.
I wondered when he’d stopped taking pride in those things.
“I love you, Brandon,” I said.
He looked up.
“I always will.”
His eyes filled.
“But I won’t surrender my independence to make your life easier.” GetWriting Tools
He nodded once.
Then left.
I closed the front door.
I didn’t feel triumphant.
