“If I need it, I’ll use it,” Kiana replied evenly. “But I haven’t needed it yet.”
Ms. Sterling sighed so theatrically it deserved applause.
“I, for example, saved all my life, penny by penny. And what happened? Now I’m retired, barely making ends meet. Utilities are expensive. Medication is expensive. At least Darius helps out.”
Kiana raised an eyebrow.
“He helps out?”
Darius flinched.
“Well, sometimes I slip her some cash, bring her groceries.”
Kiana nodded.
Interesting.
She thought that about five hundred dollars a month at most went to her mother‑in‑law from their family budget.
Apparently, Darius was helping her with his own personal money, which, judging by his constant debts to Kiana, he didn’t have.
“I’ve been thinking,” Ms. Sterling continued, examining her nails.
“Maybe I should sell my condo. My one‑bedroom downtown must be worth a lot. I could sell it, buy something smaller on the outskirts, and live on the difference.”
Kiana sipped her tea.
It was hot, scalding her lips.
“Not a bad idea.”
Her mother‑in‑law looked up sharply.
“Do you really think so?”
“Of course. If you need money, that’s the logical option.”
Ms. Sterling went quiet, clearly expecting something else.
Then she smiled, but the smile was crooked.
“Yes, I guess so… for now. Maybe I don’t have to sell it. Maybe there’s another way.”
She stopped talking, staring at Kiana expectantly.
