He would continue paying his share of the bills.
And he would seek professional help for his gambling.
I made one condition especially clear.
“We’re not discussing you moving back in for at least two weeks. Even after that, I decide whether I’m ready.”
Nick stared at the paper.
“So Mom buys you a bunch of clothes, and I’m still the bad guy?”
Elaine’s voice remained calm.
“Those bags were for Anna, Nick. They weren’t a reward for you.”
He signed the agreement.
Thankfully, our household savings remained untouched.
But the fact that I had needed to check them at all broke my heart.
When Nick finished packing, he stood in the doorway holding his weekend bag.
“If I repay the money, can we finally stop talking about this?”
I looked at him.
“Paying me back is an obligation. Coming home is a separate decision.”
