“The way Sarah was shouting at you on the phone,” said Linda. “A daughter doesn’t shout like that at her mother unless she knows she is doing something wrong.”
I was surprised by her insight.
“And what do you plan to do now?”
“Mrs. Emily,” said Robert, “we do not want to be a burden to anyone. If you prefer us to look for another place, we understand completely.”
“But what would you do? Where would you go?”
“We have some savings,” explained Linda. “We could rent a room in a boarding house for a month or two while we look for something more permanent.”
“One room for both of you?”
“Yes, ma’am. It is not ideal, but we have lived in worse conditions.”
I looked at both of them. They were humble people, educated, who found themselves in a difficult situation through no fault of their own. It was very different from the image I had made in my head of freeloaders who wanted to live for free.
“Linda, Robert, can I make you a proposal?”
“Of course, ma’am.”
“How would you like it if we try an arrangement for a month?”
They looked at each other, surprised.
“What kind of arrangement, Mrs. Emily?”
“You can stay in the house. I will pay for the basic necessary furniture: a bed, a small table, two chairs, a used refrigerator. Nothing fancy, but functional.”
“Ma’am, we cannot accept that without paying you something,” protested Robert.
“Let me finish. You would help me with certain things. Robert, you could maintain the garden and do minor repairs. Linda, if you like cooking, you could prepare food for me a few times a week.”
“And where would you live?” asked Linda.
“I would stay in my hotel room for now. I need time to think about what I want to do with my life.”
“But, Mrs. Emily,” said Robert, “it is your house. You should live there.”
“Robert, after what happened, that house no longer feels like my home. Maybe later, but not now.”
Linda had tears in her eyes.
“Mrs. Emily, why would you do this for us after everything that happened?”
“Because you are treating me with respect. Because you are asking me instead of deciding for me. And because I believe we all deserve a second opportunity.”
“And what about Sarah?” asked Robert.
“Sarah will have to learn that actions have consequences. If she wants to be part of this arrangement, she will have to apologize to me first, and she will have to demonstrate that she can respect me.”
“Do you think she will?”
“I do not know. But that is her decision.”
Linda extended her hand and touched mine on the table.
“Mrs. Emily, you are an angel.”
“No, Linda. I am just a woman who is learning to set boundaries.”
“When could we start?”
“Tomorrow, if you want. I will take care of buying the basics and having them delivered.”
“And how much would we pay you for rent?”
“One hundred dollars a month to cover basic services, and you take care of the food.”
