Family Turmoil After Winning the Lottery

"You know, Boston is so far away. Why don't you just stay here and find a job nearby? It's better for the family to look after each other."

I had heard this countless times.

In the past, I would always say that my major didn’t match the local job market, and even if I found a job here, the salary wouldn’t be great, so I would return to Boston.

But this time, I agreed without hesitation, “I feel the same way. I've been drifting for years and it's time to settle down.

“I plan to stay for good, so having you and Marcela stay at a hotel is not practical. Let Mom and them clear out the room. I'll move in there.”

2

Colton was stunned for a moment.

Then he said, “Sure. I will have them clear it out right away.”

No sooner had he spoken than Marcela started to complain, “Clear it out to where? This house is so small, there’s barely any room to move!”

Everyone stood there, nobody making a move.

After a long stalemate, Colton finally said, “If you won’t clear it, I will.”

He started towards the room, but Mom grabbed his arm. “Do you even know how to clear it? Just leave it to me.”

I looked at my mother, and I didn't dwell on living in my previous room.

“If you don’t want to clear it, that's fine. The condo I bought isn’t being used, is it? Just give me the key, and I’ll move there.”

I held out my hand to Mom, but she didn't respond.

I glanced at her, then at Colton.

“What does this mean?”

Colton looked awkward. “Alina, don’t be upset. Marcela’s brother is living in that condo now. It wouldn’t be convenient for you to stay there.”

“Oh.

“Isn’t there another one? The one at Westwood Gardens. Give me the key.”

No one moved, and the room fell silent. After a long pause, Dad, who had remained quiet until now, finally spoke.

“Alina, are you back just to ask for houses? Or to show off that you bought several of them?”

I almost laughed out of frustration.

“Dad, is that what you think of me?

“I’ve been asking where I can stay. You didn’t say a word. When I try to make my own arrangements, you speak up to accuse me of showing off.

“I’ve never seen anyone brag about owning three homes and still having nowhere to live!”

Their faces soured, but no one spoke.

I knew they wanted to drive me away, considering me a burden now that I was “unemployed.”

I had no intention of squeezing into this house with them, but if they wanted to be heartless, I wouldn’t hold back either.

If they wanted me gone, then let's do it thoroughly.

“Is your silence an answer? You want me to leave, right?”

My parents and Colton kept quiet. Marcela shot me a disdainful look. “Whoever heard of a sister-in-law in her thirties, unmarried, and living with her brother and his wife? It's one thing to stay occasionally, but now that you’re unemployed, you plan to stay indefinitely? Don’t you have any self-respect?”

I let out a dry laugh, my tone sharp.

“It's not for you to say. I’m talking to my parents and my brother.”

Marcela’s face twisted with anger, and Colton glowered at me, his tone equally sharp.

“Alina, I can tolerate you, but Marcela has no obligation to. Show her some respect when you speak.”

I looked at him and smiled, "I have no problem with her. It's because you don't say anything.

“Colton, I bought those three houses, one for you to live with your wife after you got married, another for Marcela's brother. You, the main beneficiary, act so righteous here.

"If you’ve got the guts, give me back all three houses and go live elsewhere with your wife and our parents.”