I often called my mom and felt that something was wrong ‑ my voice was tired and strained. Arriving unannounced, I saw her in a cast: she was mopping floors and dragging laundry around a two-story house, leaning on furniture. It turned out that Dennis’s stepfather had told her to prepare everything for his daughter’s arrival and even demanded that she clear the snow to the garage — despite the fresh fracture.
I put my mother in the car and quickly organized help: I called a nurse, reported to the city services and found a private snow removal team. Within an hour, powerful cars appeared on the streets — instead of just clearing the path, the courtyards around the house turned into a snow “fortress”, blocking the entrance and windows.
When Dennis returned, he was shocked: the inspector from the city and his daughter Kylie were already standing at the blocked house. The scandal broke out in front of everyone — Dennis tried to deny it, but the evidence and the medical call showed the truth. Kylie supported Mom, the inspector began a formal check, and we left so that mom would be warm and calm.
Two weeks later, Mom managed to file for divorce. She was staying with me, recovering, and for the first time in a long time, she was really smiling.
