Life had finally started making sense. After years of struggle, loneliness, and heartbreak, I had built a stable life for myself. I had a job I worked hard for, a home I was proud of, and peace I had never known before. But all of that was shaken the moment I heard a knock at my door.
When I opened it, my heart nearly stopped. Standing before me were the very people who had thrown me away all those years ago—my parents.
“Hello, sweetheart!” my mother chirped as if nothing had happened.
I stood frozen, my mind racing. How did they find me? Why were they here after all this time?
“Can we come in?” my father asked, still wearing the same fake warmth I remembered from my childhood.
Against my better judgment, I stepped aside, letting them in. They sat down comfortably in my kitchen, looking around as if they belonged there.
“You’ve done well for yourself,” my mother said, nodding in approval.
I scoffed. “Yeah, I had to. I didn’t have anyone to rely on.”
My father sighed, leaning forward. “We were hoping we could stay here for a while. Just until we get things sorted out.”
I let out a dry laugh, shaking my head in disbelief. “You left me when I was fifteen. You abandoned my little brothers. And now, after all these years, you just show up and expect me to help you?”
“We had no choice,” my mother said weakly. “Things were hard for us back then.”
“Things were hard for you?” My voice rose in anger. “I was a child! I had to survive alone, work odd jobs just to eat! I lost my brothers because of you!”
My father’s face hardened. “We’re still your parents, Tori. You should respect us.”
I felt my blood boil. Respect? They had the nerve to ask for respect after abandoning me? I walked to my purse and pulled out an old ten-dollar bill—the only thing my father had ever left me before walking away all those years ago. I slapped it on the table in front of them.
“That’s all you ever gave me. So here, take it. That’s all you’ll get from me.”
Their faces fell, their smiles vanishing. “Tori—” my mother started, but I cut her off.
“Get out.” My voice was firm, unshaken.
They hesitated, maybe hoping I’d change my mind. But I wouldn’t.
They had walked away from me once, and now it was my turn.
Without another word, they picked up their bags and left. I closed the door behind them, locking it—physically and emotionally.
For the first time in my life, I felt truly free.
