Texting your mom minutes before college move‑in after a b...

Conversation

1. Mom, bank just pinged me—my student loans are paid.
2. What? Who paid them?
3. Aunt Lydia's name, and there was a strange note.
4. She texted you?
5. Yes—attached note simply: 'Come live with me this semester.'
6. Don't open anything from her before we talk.
7. I'm literally loading the car, dorm move-in in minutes.
8. You can't just go live with her, remember why.
9. I remember the shouting, the slammed door, the silence.
10. It wasn't your fault; she walked away for reasons.
11. Check your phone, she messaged you an hour ago.
12. I deleted her number; I thought that was safer.
13. There's a bank memo that says 'for keeping secrets'.
14. What does 'keeping secrets' even mean?
15. She attached a photo of a hospital bracelet, faded.