Chapter 7 - The Family Meeting
The family gathered at my house.
Aunt Margaret had flown in from California.
Uncle James had driven from Maryland.
My cousin Rachel was there too.
They all wanted answers.
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"I want to hear your side of the story," Aunt Margaret said.
"Grandma is in the hospital," I said. "She almost had her circulation cut off because Mom wrapped her bandage too tightly."
"That's an accident."
"Accidentally taking her walker? Accidentally forging her signature? Accidentally stealing over forty thousand dollars?"
"She was trying to help."
"She was trying to control. There's a difference."
Uncle James spoke for the first time.
"Claire, your mother has always had a hard time with boundaries. We know that. But putting her in prison? That's extreme."
"She did this to herself."
"She's family."
"Then why didn't she treat Grandma like family?"
No one had an answer.
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Uncle James sighed heavily.
"Claire, I'm not defending what she did. But this is going to tear us apart."
"She already tore us apart."
"Then why are you fighting so hard?"
"Because Grandma deserves someone to fight for her. She's been fighting alone for too long."
Aunt Margaret reached for my hand.
"Claire, I'm sorry. I didn't understand how bad it was."
"Now you do."
"Yes."
"What are you going to do about it?"
She was quiet for a moment.
"I'll talk to your mother. I'll try to get her to see what she's done."
"That won't work."
"Maybe not. But I have to try."
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