Chapter 6 - The Family DinnerEleanor invited everyone to dinner.
Robert arrived with his wife.
Tyler arrived with his brother.
Everyone expected an argument.
Instead, Eleanor served dinner herself.
She smiled.
“Thank you for coming.”
Tyler looked nervous.
“Grandma…”
“Eat.”
Nobody spoke.
After dinner, Eleanor stood.
“I invited you here because I want to tell you something.”
Robert looked worried.
She placed a folder on the table.
“These are the records of every dollar I've spent supporting this family.”
Robert's face turned pale.
His wife opened the folder.
Mortgage payments.
Tuition.
Medical bills.
Cars.
Vacations.
More than $900,000.
Tyler stared.
“You paid for my college?”
“Yes.”
“And my car?”
“Yes.”
“And…”
Eleanor raised her hand.
“I don't want gratitude.”
She closed the folder.
“I want honesty.”
Tyler looked down.
“I was joking.”
“You pushed me.”
“I didn't mean for you to get hurt.”
“You knew I was afraid.”
“I know.”
“You watched me struggle.”
Tyler began crying.
“I was stupid.”
“Yes.”
The room became silent.
Eleanor looked at Robert.
“You saw me drowning.”
Robert's eyes filled with tears.
“I was scared.”
“You were afraid of upsetting your son.”
He nodded.
“I failed you.”
Eleanor looked at her daughter-in-law.
“You laughed.”
The woman began crying.
“I thought it was funny.”
“I know.”
Then Eleanor stood.
“I forgive you.”
Everyone looked shocked.
“But forgiveness doesn't mean access.”
May you like
She walked toward the door.
“From today forward, you are responsible for your own lives.”
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