My Parents Doubled My Rent So My Unemployed Sister Could Move In, So I Moved Out and Took Everything

pavement. Rain tapped softly at the windows. When Dr. Brooks walked in, I barely recognized him. Gray threaded through his hair. Lines carved deep around his eyes.

He ordered black coffee. No sugar, no cream. Then he sat across from me and studied my face like he was confirming a diagnosis.

“I knew this day would come,” he said quietly. “I just didn’t continue reading …