My son didn’t show up at my door four years later to apologize; instead, a lawyer was requesting that I leave my own home. He was unaware that his attorney, my high school love, had a scheme that would drastically alter his life in ways he could never have predicted.

It was four years since I had seen my son. Not a single message, visit, or phone. He disappeared after taking everything he wanted, including my husband’s car, watches, and money, after his father passed away. No farewells or justifications. Simply vanished.

Our relationship wasn’t always like this. Brian, my son, was a good guy once. But with his father’s passing, everything was different. Although we had known my husband’s illness was imminent, losing him nonetheless left a hole in our hearts.

Following the funeral, Brian grew aloof. He remained silent. He left without staying. Not even asking whether I was okay, that is. Rather, he took what he could from his father’s possessions and vanished. Too brokenhearted to stop him. He took the money, the watches, and even his father’s automobile with him.

Source: Midjourney
I had to eventually learn how to support myself. Despite the house being full of memories, I managed to keep it operating. My spouse gave it to me, and it ended up becoming my haven. During those years, I never received a word from Brian. I eventually came to terms with his absence from my life. Even though it ached, I had to keep going.

I had not expected him to return, especially not in this manner.

He appeared on my porch yesterday. When I saw him standing there, my heart skipped a beat, and for an instant I thought he was coming to apologize. I couldn’t help but smile, thinking that perhaps, just perhaps, he was prepared to put things right.

However, I observed someone standing next to him as soon as I opened the door. A dapper man carrying a suitcase made of leather. My son had a chilly face. His eyes lacked any hint of warmth.

He stated, “This is my attorney,” in a direct and emotionless tone. “I’m giving you until tomorrow to leave this house, or we’re taking it to court.”

Source: Midjourney
I became motionless. At first, the words didn’t make sense. Get out of the house? My home? The house I had shared with his father, the one I had looked after for years? I turned to face the attorney with a sinking heart, thinking there had been a misunderstanding. However, it was impossible to miss. This was authentic.

“You’re suing me for my house?” At last, I was able to whisper.

With his arms crossed, he replied, “That’s right.” “It belongs to me now.”

The attorney was motionless as he stood there, yet there was something familiar about him that made me uneasy. He said nothing, but as soon as my eyes met his, I noticed a flash in his eyes. He winked at me just the right amount—not enough for my son to notice, but just enough to get my attention.

Source: Midjourney
“What are you talking about?” I asked, attempting to maintain a steady tone. “I own this house. I inherited it from your father.”

Brian smiled icily at me. “I don’t believe so. Mom, you’ve stayed too long. You should move on at this point.”

Though my mind raced, I was only able to concentrate on the attorney next to him. Why did he look so recognizable?

With a glance at Brian, the attorney cleared his throat. “I think we should have a private conversation with your mother before making any final decisions,” he stated.

Brian rolled his eyes. “All right.” He said, “You have five minutes,” and turned to return to his car. He exuded confidence and self-satisfaction.

Source: Midjourney
The lawyer turned to face me once he was out of earshot, a little smile appearing on his lips. “It’s been a long time, hasn’t it, Mary?” He said quietly.

It came at me like a wave. This was no ordinary attorney. It was James. James, my dear. My love of high school. Back then, we were inseparable, but when life took us in different paths, we lost contact. And here he was now, working, of all people, for my son.

“James?” Still in shock, I muttered.

His eyes glowed with recognition as he nodded. “It’s me. And rest certain that I have your back. Come with me inside.”

James closed the door behind us and turned to face me. “I know this is a lot to process, Mary. The way Brian is treating you, it’s unbelievable. But we can stop him, I promise. He has no idea what he’s about to embark on.”

Source: Midjourney
Trying not to cry, I shook my head. “I don’t know how this came to be. He was really kind and considerate once. And this is it now? James, he wants to take me home.”

James nodded sympathetically. “It’s hard to see our children make bad choices. But he’s playing a dangerous game, and he doesn’t realize it. Let me go back to him now, and we will give him a very bitter call tomorrow.”

James arrived at my place the following morning, with a bag of freshly ground coffee beans and a pleasant smile.

He held up the bag and added, “I thought we could relax with some coffee first.” “It’s been a long couple of days.”

Source: Midjourney
When our coffee was done, James took a quick look at his watch. He said, “It’s time,” and took out his phone. “I’ll call Brian now.”

As he phoned, I stood there, nervousness thumping my chest. Brian’s voice was the first to come on, and I could hear his same haughtiness from the previous day as soon as the phone connected.

“What now?” Brian inquired, seeming irritated.

James remained composed, as usual. “Brian, we really need to talk,” he began in a formal manner. “I want to explain the situation to you, so you understand exactly where you stand.”

Brian laughed hysterically. “Where am I now? I believe I understand that rather well.”

James didn’t flinch. “Actually, I don’t think you do. You’re trying to sue your mother for her house, but what you don’t realize is, you’re standing on shaky ground. Very shaky ground.”

Source: Midjourney
The other person paused, and I sensed the tension building. Being challenged bothered Brian, even when he felt he was winning.

When Brian eventually said, “I don’t get what you’re saying,” his voice grew harsher.

James leaned a little forward while maintaining a steady tone. “Allow me to simplify it for you. It is a significant infraction that you took your father’s automobile, watches, and other belongings without authorization after his death. You sold items that were not yours. Brian, that is theft.”

I thought I heard Brian gasp for air. I could sense his confidence ebbing, even though he had no idea where this talk was headed.

“Are you serious?” Brian lost his temper. “There is nothing that I stole. I owned that stuff.”

James gave a stern “No, it wasn’t” response. “It belonged to your father. Furthermore, you never had your mother’s OK to steal or sell it. Witnesses have attested to your having sold those items. It’s fortunate that nobody has reported it yet. However, that will alter if this action is successful.”

Source: Midjourney
The line went silent for a time. When Brian remained silent, I could see the wheels moving in his brain as he tried to come up with a conversational solution.

“You’re telling me I could get into trouble for that?” At last, Brian inquired, a tiny crack in his voice.

“Yes,” was James’s direct response. “You might receive a fine, or worse. And we will expose everything if you pursue this action any further. Is it truly worth taking that chance?”

There was another long silence, during which I held my breath to observe Brian’s reaction. When he did say something, it was with less confidence and a quieter tone.

“So, what do you want me to do?” Brian enquired, seeming nearly defeated.

James inhaled deeply while maintaining a neutral tone. “Brian, drop the lawsuit. Before things worsen for you, get out of here. If you do that, I’ll make sure nothing else occurs. However, failing to do so will cost you much more than simply a case.”

Source: Midjourney
I could sense the tension in the air as Brian hesitated to respond, considering his options. After what seemed like an age, he finally murmured, “Okay. I’ll give it up.”

I released a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding when James ended the call. I turned to face him, expecting an explanation of some sort, but all he offered me was the same, carefree smile. “I simply told him the reality. That’s all it takes, sometimes.”

Source: Midjourney
“You’re something else, you know that?” Shaking my head, I said.

He laughed, “I’ve been told that before,” and got up to refill his coffee cup.

Karma had taken care of its business while I sat there and watched him go about the kitchen as if it were the most natural thing in the world. It felt right, even though it wasn’t how I had anticipated. The reality was what had stopped Brian in his tracks, not retaliation or fury. Perhaps that was always meant to be that way.