Chapter 23 - I Leave the Bennett House
My twelve-month lease approached end.
Richard offered renewal.
I declined.
Not because house unsafe.
Because I wanted a home whose title did not carry Bennett history.
I could not afford anything as large.
Good.
I bought a three-bedroom townhouse.
Down payment:
Divorce settlement.
My savings.
Small mortgage in my name.
Actual bank.
Actual statements.
Interest rate I understood.
Closing attorney handed me deed documents.
I read every page.
Not because paranoia.
Because knowledge felt different now.
Sophie asked:
“Is this ours?”
I said:
“The bank and I have an arrangement until the mortgage is paid, but yes, I own the home.”
She frowned.
“Bank lives here?”
“No.”
Children.
Noah chose smaller bedroom because it had a weird alcove.
Sophie chose room near bathroom.
No grandparents ranked.
No family LLC.
Richard helped us move a couch.
He asked before hanging anything.
May you like
Growth spreads.
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