“Who told you that you couldn’t stay?”
Eli glanced toward Marilyn, who insisted that the adults had merely been discussing temporary arrangements. Grant reluctantly explained that his mother had suggested sending Eli to stay with Aunt Ruth, who lived nearly three hours away near Toledo.
According to Marilyn, our mounting hospital bills and childcare expenses made it difficult to support three children. She believed Ruth’s spare bedroom offered a convenient solution while she moved into our house to help care for the twins.
“Grandma said three kids cost too much. She said Aunt Ruth could take me, and then the babies could have my bedroom.”
I turned toward Grant, expecting him to immediately correct this horrifying misunderstanding. Instead, he avoided my eyes, leaving Eli to explain that his father had repeatedly warned him about our financial difficulties.
“I don’t need new shoes, Mom. I can make my own breakfast, help with diapers, and stay out of everyone’s way.”
