“I’m not here to throw you out,” I said, breaking the silence that was thick with tension. “You can stay, but things are going to change. We’ll do this on my terms. Rent will be due at the end of each month. Consider it a chance to make things right. A fresh start, if you want it.”

Mom looked like she was ready to argue, but something in my eyes must have stopped her. Perhaps she saw the conviction there, the same resolve that had taken me across the state, helped me build a life, and brought me back to this very moment, standing on the lawn of what was now my house.