Chapter 5 - The First Phone Call
By Monday morning, the reality of Thomas’s ultimatum began to crash down on Robert and Helen.
Thomas was in the office of his downtown diner, reviewing inventory spreadsheets, when his cell phone buzzed on the desk. The caller ID flashed: Mother.
He stared at the screen for three full rings before tapping the green button and holding the phone to his ear.
“Thomas?” Helen’s voice didn't sound commanding today. It sounded shrill, panicked, and thin. “Thomas, what kind of sick joke are you playing? We went to the grocery store this morning, and my credit card was declined at the register! The cashier humiliated us in front of the whole aisle!”
Thomas didn't look up from his spreadsheet. “I cancelled the secondary cards attached to my business account yesterday evening, Mom. Effective immediately.”
“Cancelled our cards?!” Helen shrieked on the other end. “How are we supposed to buy groceries? How is your father supposed to pick up his prescription refill? The pharmacy just called saying our insurance co-pay wasn't processed!”
“You’ll figure it out,” Thomas replied calmly. “Just like adults. You’ve got a pension, don’t you? Use it.”
“We live on fixed income! You know our pension barely covers the utilities!” Helen’s voice cracked with genuine terror. “Thomas, stop this nonsense right now. Come over here and apologize to your mother and father. We are your family!”
May you like
“Family doesn't treat children like indentured servants, Mom,” Thomas said quietly. “And family doesn't leech off a son while mocking everything he builds. If you want financial help, you start by issuing a written, sincere apology to Rebecca, Samuel, and Jacob for what you did yesterday. Until then, don't call this number.”
He ended the call, set the phone face down on the desk, and took a deep breath. The silence in the office felt peaceful for the first time in years.
