Chapter 6 - An Unwelcome Arrival
Six months passed without any major incidents.
Winter was approaching, and I had been busy chopping firewood and winterizing the cabin.
One Saturday afternoon, I was on the porch with a mug of tea when I heard the crunch of tires on gravel.
A sleek, expensive sports car pulled up my long driveway.
My heart sank as I recognized the driver.
Marcus stepped out of the car, looking exhausted and much thinner than I remembered.
The passenger door opened, and Chloe stepped out, wearing designer boots that had no business being in the mud.
"Mom," Marcus called out, giving a hesitant wave.
I didn't smile, and I didn't stand up to greet them.
"I told you I needed space, Marcus."
Chloe immediately marched up the wooden steps, wearing a fake, sugary smile.
"Eleanor, it's so wonderful to see you!" she chirped.
"This place is just... quaint."
She looked around the porch with thinly veiled disgust.
"Why are you here, Chloe?" I asked, cutting straight to the point.
Marcus rubbed the back of his neck, looking deeply ashamed.
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"We need to talk, Mom."
"It's about our financial situation."
