The room was silent. Mom’s face drained of color, while Emma looked between us, confused and betrayed.

I remained calm, though inside I felt a mix of vindication and sadness. Dad had indeed sold me the house, and now it was mine. I knew he had done it to ensure they had a roof over their heads, but the poetic justice of the situation was undeniable. The house I was once exiled from was now my own sanctuary.

Emma’s voice quivered. “But… but why?”