She continued.
“The trust gives you authority to manage the property, but Darren and Thalia have been living there with permission for years. We should document the arrangement properly. Any change in occupancy needs to follow applicable requirements.”
“I don’t want to throw them out.”
“Then don’t. We can prepare a written agreement that clarifies the responsibilities and gives everyone a chance to decide whether the arrangement still works.”
I considered that.
“What about the house itself?”
“Do you still want it used for Darren’s benefit?”
I looked toward Harold’s photograph.
“Yes. But I don’t want him treating it as his inheritance before I’ve even made that decision.”
“Then we should review the trust and your estate plan without assuming Darren will inherit the house outright.”
I agreed.
Before ending the call, Miriam asked another question.
“Eileene, have you told Darren the extent of your finances?”
“No.”
“Are you planning to?”
I hesitated.
“I think I have to stop pretending.”
She didn’t respond immediately.
Then she said, “Being private is one thing. Letting people build relationships with a version of you that doesn’t exist is another.”
After hanging up, I stood beside the apartment window.
I could see a woman struggling to carry groceries across the parking lot.
I went downstairs and helped her with the bags.
She thanked me and asked whether I lived alone.
“Yes,” I said.
“Do you like it?”
I thought about the quiet rooms upstairs.
“Most days.”
She smiled.
“That’s all anybody can ask.”
I carried the last bag to her door.
