I'd looked after Aunt Patricia because I pitied her. Nothing more.
But it was precisely because of all that caretaking that it had somehow become my obligation.
Even Aunt Patricia chimed in on the group chat: "Jennifer, I know this past year has been hard on you!"
"And I've already promised—once Derek comes back, he'll make it up to you!"
"Besides, it's the holidays! You just up and left, and now I can't find anyone to look after me!"
The moment she posted that, the rest of the family piled on in agreement.
I let out a cold laugh and typed back: "Sorry, but you never signed any agreement with me."
"And frankly, this isn't my responsibility."
"Isn't your son supposed to be coming back soon?"
"Since he's on his way, why don't you let him take care of you?"
"As for me—I don't need your so-called compensation."
The second I hit send, my fingers were already flying across the keyboard again: "Also, I know you all have opinions about this. Since that's the case, there's no point in me staying in this chat."
"From now on, your problems have nothing to do with me."
I sent the message and left the family group chat without a second thought.