When Hannah’s son Ethan and his wife Claire lost everything — their jobs, their home, their savings — she didn’t think twice before helping. “You can stay here for as long as you need,” she assured them, opening her door and her heart. To make things easier, she even transferred her house into Ethan’s name so he could qualify for a loan.
At first, everything seemed fine. Hannah cooked, cleaned, and made sure they were comfortable, even giving them the master bedroom. But little by little, the warmth vanished. Claire began taking over — claiming Hannah’s favorite chair, criticizing her cooking — while Ethan grew distant and withdrawn. The house no longer felt like hers.
Then one evening, Hannah came home to find her suitcase waiting by the door. Claire stood there, arms crossed. “We’ve talked,” she said coolly. “You’ll be happier in a retirement community.” Ethan wouldn’t even meet her eyes.
Heartbroken, Hannah gathered her things and left with only her purse. That night, she slept in a shelter, tears soaking her pillow. But by morning…