No need to win.
Just a sister acknowledging something true.
That evening, the three of us sat at the kitchen table and worked out a plan.
Kayla would keep applying for jobs. While she searched, she would help around the house and contribute what she could once she had an income. We would revisit the rental listings together and agree on a realistic timeline for her to move out.
She wasn’t being abandoned.
She wasn’t being punished.
She was being helped toward independence.
Before we finished, I looked at her.
“And one more thing.”
She groaned.
“There’s always one more thing with you.”
“No more tests.”
She lifted both hands.
“Agreed.”
Andrew entered carrying a grocery bag.
“Did I miss the part where we establish that nobody is allowed to test me on my ability to reach the coffee filters?”
Kayla pointed at him.
“Don’t tempt me.”
I stared at her.
