Dad forgot to hang up the call. «She’s nothing! A failure, should’ve never been born…

I’m selling a property I own. What you do next is up to you. My mother stepped between us, tears already forming.

Audrey, sweetheart, what’s gotten into you? Is this about work? Are you under too much stress? This isn’t an impulsive decision, I replied, my voice level. The house has been professionally staged and photographed. The listing went live last night.

There’s an open house scheduled for Sunday. Sunday? This Sunday? My father sputtered. Where are we supposed to go? I’ve made reservations for brunch at the Drake.

My treat. We should be gone from eleven to three. My mother’s tears dried up instantly.

You expect us to go to brunch while strangers walk through our home? My home. I corrected again. And yes, that’s exactly what I expect.

My father pulled out his trump card. I’m calling Heather. She’ll talk some sense into you.

I shrugged, the gesture so foreign to my usual accommodating body language that they both stared. Call whoever you want. An hour later, we were seated in our living room in a twisted parody of a family meeting.

Heather had arrived, kids in tow, her husband Keith trailing behind looking uncomfortable. The children had been dispatched to the backyard, leaving the adults to what my father ominously called sorting this mess out. Audrey, Heather began, clearly designated as the mediator, I understand you’re going through something right now, but selling the house seems extreme.

It’s not extreme. It’s a practical decision. I’m moving to Denver for a new job opportunity.

Keith, who had always been peripheral to family dynamics, spoke up unexpectedly. Denver’s a great market right now. Growing tech sector, outdoor lifestyle.

Smart move professionally. My father shot him a glare that could have melted steel. Not helpful, Keith.

Just saying career wise, it makes sense. My mother ignored this tangent. But why so suddenly? Why not give us time to find a place, get organized? The closing will be in 30 days.

That’s standard. You have a month to make arrangements. A month.

My father exploded. To find an apartment, pack everything in this rental market. It’s impossible.

I managed to organize selling a house and relocating to another state in a week. I pointed out. I’m sure between the two of you, finding a local apartment in a month is doable.

Heather looked between us, clearly struggling with divided loyalties. Mom, dad, Audrey does have the right to sell her own house. Maybe we should focus on helping you find a new place.

My father’s betrayed expression would have been comical if it weren’t so predictable. You’re taking her side. I’m not taking sides.

I’m being practical. If the house is for sale, you need somewhere to live. The conversation deteriorated from there, with my parents cycling through anger, guilt tripping, and finally bargaining.

Just give us three months, my mother pleaded. Until after the holidays. The market is hot right now, I replied.

Waiting would be financially irresponsible. My father snorted. Since when do you care about money more than family? The irony of his statement hung in the air between us.

If only he knew how his own words about me had set this all in motion. But I held my tongue, refusing to give away the knowledge that fueled my resolve. By Sunday, the tension in the house was unbearable.

My parents had shifted to cold silence, a tactic they’d employed throughout my childhood, when I disappointed them. We drove to brunch in complete silence, the atmosphere in the car thick with unspoken recriminations. At the Drake, I received a text from Natalie.

Huge turnout. At least 40 parties so far. Several very interested.

Monday morning brought news that exceeded even Natalie’s optimistic projections. We have seven offers, she announced when I called her from work. The highest is $875,000, all cash, 21-day close, minimal contingencies.

Accept it, I said without hesitation. Are you sure? We could counter, maybe push them to $885,000. The speed is more important to me than squeezing out another $10,000…