Tori’s life falls apart when her heartless parents desert her and her two younger brothers, forcing them to survive on their own. As she starts to put her life back together, her absent parents appear at her doorstep, grinning as if no time has passed. What brings them back after so long, and what are their intentions towards Tori?

Stunned, I watched my parents hastily pack their belongings in our living room. “We’re calling child services; they’ll find you a new home,” my father declared sternly.

My younger brothers clung to me, their expressions a mix of bewilderment and terror.

bombarded by a myriad of questions.

As they sipped their drinks, my mother broke the silence. “We were hoping you could let us stay here for a while, just until we get back on our feet.”

I stared at her, taken aback. “You want to live with me?”

“Yes,” they both replied simultaneously.

“Why? How did you even find me?” I asked, struggling to maintain composure.

“Oh, sweetie, how does that matter? We are family, and family should support each other, right?”

I could no longer suppress my anger.

“Oh really?” I retorted. “You haven’t inquired about my brothers since you arrived. You just show up here, expecting my help after you left us? Where were your family values when we were struggling on the streets?”

They appeared shocked, but I didn’t allow them a chance to respond. I ascended the stairs and retrieved an old ten-dollar bill my father had given me years earlier. Returning to the kitchen, I handed it to them.

“I hope this assists you as much as it aided me back then. Now, leave my house and never return.”

Their smiles vanished as the reality of my words settled in. Without another word, they collected their belongings and departed.

As the door shut behind them, I experienced a peculiar sense of closure. They were gone, and I was finally liberated.

My past no longer restrained me. I was prepared for whatever lay ahead.