The conversation was practical and reassuring.
I learned what documents I should keep accessible, what financial information I should understand, and why it was important not to make major decisions in the middle of an emotional confrontation.
Then I called my sister.
I told her that Sean had proposed the swap and that I was worried about the way it had been discussed.
She listened without interrupting.
Finally, she asked, “Do you actually want to do this?”
“No,” I admitted.
“Then why did you agree?”
“Because I need to understand why he wants it so badly.”
She was quiet for a moment.
“Just promise me you won’t put yourself in a situation you don’t want to be in.”
“I promise.”
That night, I slept in the guest room.
Sean didn’t seem to notice.
He was too busy looking forward to Friday.
Friday Afternoon: Preparing for the Unexpected
By Friday afternoon, the house was spotless.
