Derek tried to minimize it. “She is stressed.”
“She is relocating us in our own house,” I answered.
The next morning I woke before everyone else and printed three copies of a document I titled House Guest Agreement. I detailed quiet hours, bathroom schedules, kitchen responsibilities, and the fourteen day limit. I included a section stating that guests would not receive mail at the address and would not be issued keys. I also prepared a draft lease agreement outlining rent, utilities, and a cleaning rotation if they preferred a longer stay.
At breakfast I placed the papers on the table. “Since you are guests,” I said brightly, “here are the house guidelines.”
Pamela’s smile faded. “Guidelines?”
“Yes,” I replied. “Fourteen days, no rent, no keys, no mail. If you want to stay longer, we formalize it.”
Gerald laughed harshly. “You think we are signing paperwork?”
“If you want to live here,” I said calmly, “yes.”
Brittany scoffed. “Derek would never let you throw us out.”
I turned to my husband. “Would you?”
Derek looked trapped. Pamela leaned forward. “Tell her she is overreacting.”
Derek swallowed. “Mom, maybe we should respect Brooke’s plan.”