“She did,” Mom said, appearing behind me. “I told them it was a great idea.” I turned to her, stunned. “This isn’t your house to offer.”
The room went cold. “What did you just say?” she asked sharply.
“I said this isn’t your house. You should have asked me first.” Tyler laughed, while Gwen smirked beside him. “Don’t be dramatic, Katie. This is the family home. We’re family.”
“You should be happy to have us here,” Gwen added, already heading toward the stairs. “Which guest room is ours?” I stood frozen as they carried their bags past me.
“We’ll take the blue room,” Mom called up after them. “It gets the best morning light.” As they clomped upstairs, Mom gave my shoulder a patronizing pat. “Don’t make a scene. It’ll be nice having everyone together.”
I watched her follow them, feeling like I’d somehow been reduced to a visitor in the place that belonged to me. “But it’s my house,” I whispered into the empty hallway.
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