I Let Her Stay, She Changed My Locks

Summary

My cousin, Zoe Parker, stood in the doorway of my apartment with her arms crossed. “I’m doing you a favor by staying here and giving you the chance to help me, so don’t stand there pretending to be generous when you’re actually being petty. Who are you trying to fool?”

A month ago, she clung to my hand and swore that she would live here alone and study quietly for the college entrance exam.

My heart softened. I did not charge her rent and did not even ask for a security deposit.