My parents bequeathed their ENTIRE estate to my brother, so I ceased covering their expenses. Weeks later, my mom texted

No explanation. Just a cold, shameless demand for the exact amount they needed to cover their overdue mortgage. They weren’t even asking anymore.

They were just assuming I’d cave. I declined it without hesitation. Not even five minutes later, my phone rang.

It was mom. I let it ring. Then came another text.

Mom texted. Jake. I know you saw the request.

Why did you decline it? I took my time before replying, because it’s not my responsibility. Try Eric. Another call.

Declined. Then another text. Mom texted.

We’re going to lose the house if you don’t help us. Oh, now it was an emergency? After all those years of treating me like a walking wallet, now they were finally facing the consequences? I typed back. Maybe you should have thought about that before deciding I didn’t matter.

A few seconds later, dad chimed in. Dad, you’re really going to let your parents become homeless? Wow, that one actually made me laugh out loud. The manipulation was so blatant it was almost funny.

They weren’t broke. They weren’t about to be thrown on the streets. They just didn’t want to dip into their own savings because they were so used to me covering everything.

I ignored them for the rest of the day. That night, I got a text from Eric. Dude, just send them the money already.

You’re making this a bigger deal than it is. I clenched my jaw. This entitled little prick really thought he could lecture me? I typed back.

You mean the same money you’re inheriting? Why don’t you send it? His response came fast. Eric texted. You know I don’t have that kind of cash right now.

Oh, so now it was about affordability? He was perfectly fine with me draining my accounts, but the second it was his turn, suddenly he had nothing to offer. I replied. Guess you better figure it out then, bro.

You’re the one they chose. No response. I went to bed feeling oddly at peace, like I had finally broken free from years of manipulation.

But the next day, things escalated. I was at work when I got a call from my apartment’s front desk. Hey, Jake.

Uh, your parents are here? I nearly dropped my phone. What? She hesitated before adding, they’re saying it’s an emergency and that you won’t answer their calls. Oh.

My. God. They showed up at my apartment just because I stopped paying their bills? I took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of my nose.

Please don’t let them up. I’m not expecting them. There was an awkward pause.

Uh, they’re being kinda pushy. I clenched my jaw. I don’t care.

They can leave. I hung up and immediately got a text from mom. We’re downstairs.

Open the door. No question. No explanation.

Just another demand. I didn’t reply. Another text from mom.

Jake, we’re not leaving until you talk to us. I exhaled sharply, standing up from my desk. They weren’t going to back down…