She called.
“Is there any legal obligation you’re worried about?”
“No.”
“Then this is a family request, not a legal claim.”
That distinction calmed me.
I replied to Dad myself.
The settlement relates to the deaths of my husband and children. I will
not discuss distributing it among extended family. Do not contact my
advisers, the foundation, or Ethan’s parents about money.
He answered within eleven minutes.
So that’s it? You think you’re better than us now?
I did not reply.
Boundaries become much easier when you stop believing every accusation
requires a defense.
PART 13 — AUNT RUTH
Aunt Ruth had never asked me for anything.
One Sunday, I drove to her house.
She made tea.
“I saw your father’s email.”
“How?”
“He sent it to half the family.”
Of course he had.
“What did he say?”
“That you’re being manipulated by Ethan’s parents and lawyers.”
