I glanced at my phone, feeling a knot tighten in my stomach. The notification displayed a live feed from my vacation home’s security camera. There they were—my parents, standing on the porch, trying to jimmy the lock.
Anger swirled within me like a brewing storm. I’d always been the responsible one, the one who did what was expected without question. But this was a betrayal I couldn’t comprehend.
I watched as my father tried to force a window open, my mother watching nervously over his shoulder. It struck me how desperate and entitled they seemed, as if my boundaries meant nothing. Taking a deep breath, I dialed the local authorities.
I hated to do it, but this had gone too far. As I explained the situation, the officer on the line assured me they would send someone to check it out. I hung up, trying to focus on work, but my thoughts kept drifting back to the live feed.
My phone buzzed again—this time, it was Mark, my boyfriend. He’d been supportive through the whole ordeal, always encouraging me to stand my ground. I answered and filled him in on the latest development.
“Oh, Tessa,” he sighed. “I can’t believe they’re doing this.”
“Neither can I,” I replied, rubbing my temples. “But I have to draw the line somewhere.”
“Do you want me to head over there?” he offered, concern lacing his voice.
“No, it’s okay. The police will handle it,” I assured him. “But thanks for being there.”
We talked for a few more minutes before I hung up, feeling slightly better.
I tried to lose myself in the spreadsheets and reports that piled up on my desk, but concentration came in fits and starts. Later that afternoon, I received a call from the police. They had been to the cottage and spoken with my parents.
What happened next changed everything… FULL STORY on the next page.
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