You severely embarrassed my mother last night, Clara. You made a scene. Post a public apology on your social media acknowledging your erratic behavior, and I may consider letting you come back to the house to discuss our future.

Don’t push me.

I stared at the glowing screen. The audacity was almost scientifically fascinating. I typed one precise sentence and hit send.

Enjoy the house while you can.

Three seconds later he replied with a string of crying-laughing emojis and a middle finger. Then the screen informed me I’d been blocked. I set the phone face down on the glass, a dark anticipation coiling in my gut.

That afternoon, true to her nature, Evelyn hosted what she called a “Family Cleansing Luncheon.” She needed an immediate audience to validate her narrative of the abusive, crazy daughter-in-law.