Paid for my sister’s wedding, and my mother sent me a message: «You don’t have to come to the celebration. Your stepfather thinks you’re ruining the family photo.» The next morning they received a notification that made everyone in the family FURIOUS…

In your position as what? Interrupted Alex. Penniless hangers-on whom I graciously allowed to live in my apartment. Victor’s face flushed with red spots.

No need for rudeness. I came to talk like adults. I suggest forgetting this unpleasant incident and returning to the previous state of affairs.

And I suggest you look for new housing, replied Alex. You have 27 days left. Victor took a deep breath, clearly struggling with anger.

Fine. If you insist on changing the terms, we can discuss rent. Something symbolic, considering our relation.

I’m not renting the apartment, Alex cut off. I’m selling it. Why? The price of independence, the week after sending the eviction notice turned into a real test of character for Alex.

The phone didn’t stop, messages, calls, voice notes with his mother’s sobs and sharp accusations from his stepfather became his constant companions. At some point, Alex decided to turn off the sound, move all notifications to a separate folder, and check them only at the end of the workday. Emotional pressure shouldn’t affect his work.

A major client was waiting for a security system update. On Monday morning, when Alex was sitting in a cafe across from his office reviewing code before sending, a woman in a strict suit with a folder of documents sat down next to him. Alexander? She asked with a professional smile.

Laura Sparrow, realtor. You left a request for apartment appraisal. Yes, that’s right, he set aside his laptop.

Have a seat. Laura pulled out documents and spread several sheets with calculations in front of him. I conducted a preliminary appraisal based on the photos and data you provided.

Three-bedroom in an old building, downtown, with good repairs, close to the subway. She ran her finger over the numbers. For a quick sale, we can expect $400,000-$450,000.

If not in a hurry and wait for the ideal buyer, up to $500,000. Alex nodded, examining the documents. A quick sale suits me.

When can we start showings? As soon as the apartment is vacated, replied Laura. You mentioned relatives are living there now. They have three more weeks, said Alex.

After that, we can proceed. Laura nodded understandingly, not asking extra questions. Realtors’ professional ethics didn’t involve digging into clients’ family stories.

Excellent. I already have several potential buyers interested in real estate in this area. As soon as viewing is possible, we’ll start.

After the meeting with the realtor, Alex felt confidence growing inside about the correctness of his decision. Selling the apartment wasn’t an impulsive act of resentment; it was a logical step. Why hold onto property tied to painful memories? It was more rational to invest the money in new housing that matched his current needs.

In the evening, checking the deferred notifications, Alex found a voice message from his mother, recorded an hour ago. Unlike the previous hysterical messages, this voice sounded calm, even businesslike. Alex, we need to talk seriously.

I understand you’re offended, and maybe you have reasons for it. But let’s discuss everything like adults. I’ll come to you tomorrow at seven in the evening.

Please be home. Alex sighed. Sooner or later, this conversation had to happen.

Better to end it now than delay the inevitable. «Okay,» he replied briefly. The next evening, at exactly seven, the doorbell rang.

His mother stood at the threshold alone, without Victor—that was already unusual. She looked aged by several years: sunken face, dull eyes, nervous movements. «Come in,» said Alex, letting her into the apartment.

His mother walked into the living room, looking around with interest. She had never been to his current apartment before; all meetings usually happened on her territory. «You have it very… modern,» she noted, sitting on the edge of the couch.

«And spacious.» «Thanks,» Alex remained standing, not wanting to create the illusion of a cozy family chat. «What did you want to talk about?» His mother sighed, gathering her thoughts.

«Alex, I understand you’re offended because of this wedding story. Yes, we acted badly, I won’t argue.» Victor went too far with his ideas of prestige.

«It’s not just the wedding, Mom,» interrupted Alex. «That was just the last straw.» «About what?» — About fifteen years of humiliation,» he replied calmly…