9
375words
Despite her attachment,her son's needs came first.
"Why bother saving James,that wreck?"Sarah asked,puzzled."Your daughter was so capable—don't you regret it?"
Mom glared."Girls are useless.No matter how capable,they marry into another family.A son cares for me in old age."
Sarah laughed,shaking her head."You're so naive."
Mom,even outsiders see it.
But you're so blind.
She left without looking back,following her “right” track.
At home,she found Dad bruised,pinned to the table.
"Let him go!Who are you?Who let you in?"
A bald man flashed a knife."Your husband owes$50,000 at our casino.We're collecting."
Dad begged,"Honey,save me!They'll cut off my hand!"
"$50,000?"Mom gasped."Where am I getting that?Our son's in the hospital,you useless..."
"I was trying to raise money for his bills!"
"Enough!"the bald man snapped."Pay up!"
Mom glared."He’s the one who owes it—deal with him however you like.I've got nothing!"
"Fine,no money,we take a hand.Your wife said so,pal."
He raised the knife.
"Don't!Honey,save me!"Dad screamed in dear.
Mom shut her eyes,remained silent.
Dad shouted,"There's a safe under the bed with the house deed!"
"You're insane!"Mom lunged for the bedroom,but they held her.
"Boss,there is a safe!"
The bald man tapped Dad's face with the knife."Password?"
Mom pleaded,"Robert,say it,and I'm divorcing you!"
"You're letting me die—this marriage is over!"Dad spat."It's 052085—our wedding date."
Mom screamed,"Robert,you're scum!"
They forced Dad to sign,took the deed,and said,"Consider the extra as interest."
Once they left,Mom attacked Dad,and they fought viciously.
The house was repossessed,and they were evicted.
To stay near James,Mom rented a tiny apartment near the hospital.
The money she got from selling the diner was far from enough to pay the bills,and she sold her gold necklace.
She took another job,enduring her boss's scolding silently this time.
Dad who was drunk every day,demanded money,beating her when she refused.
Their often late-night fights drew neighbor complaints.
Seeing Mom's struggle,James seemed to mature.
He stopped gaming all night,and his health improved.
He offered to discharge himself from the hospital and stay at home recovery.
Mom,relieved,helped him pack.
But when they came back home,they found Dad had stolen all their money.
"That bastard took it all!What'll we do?"Mom cried.
"It’s too much, even for Dad.Mom,I'll earn money to support you,"James said.
Tears filled her eyes—she had waited so long for this.
