“Let it go, Mother,” he said, though his eyes remained fixed on me.

“Calla is just having a hard time adjusting.”

I couldn’t stand to look at either of them for another second.

I grabbed my car keys from the hook by the front door.

The brass key ring clinked against the wood.

I needed to get to the clinic, to the quiet safety of my routine.

But the thought of leaving them alone in my house made my stomach turn.

I walked out the front door, slamming it behind me.

The cold autumn air hit my face, shocking my senses.

I sat in my car in the driveway, staring at the front porch.

My phone buzzed in my lap.

It was Marcus.

I answered on the first ring.

“Marcus, thank you for calling me back,” I said, my voice hushed.

“I need help.”

I quickly explained the situation, my words tumbling over one another.

I told him about Rylan’s claims, the marital funds, the minor repairs.

On the other end of the line, Marcus sighed.

It was a long, heavy sound that made my heart sink further.