“Because you always took us.”
“Exactly.”
“You never complained.”
That one landed.
Mark leaned back.
“When you asked, I thought you needed me.”
“We did.”
“I know. But I didn’t realize saying yes meant I’d volunteered forever.”
Patricia folded her arms.
“Your father and I spent our whole lives taking care of you children.”
“And I’m grateful.”
“Are you?”
“Yes.”
Rebecca started to interrupt, but Mark raised a hand.
“Mom, you raised three children. You didn’t raise one caregiver.”
Patricia looked at Susan and Rebecca.
“You girls have your own responsibilities.”
Susan’s expression changed instantly.
“And Mark doesn’t?”
“That’s not what I said.”
“It’s what you’ve been saying for years.”
“Well, somebody had to be nearby.”
Rebecca asked, “Why?”
“Because your father and I are getting older.”
Susan leaned forward.
“And whose job did you decide that was?”
Patricia looked at Mark.
