Chapter 5 - HELEN PRETENDS TO NEED MORE HELP
Rachel told Helen:
“Do not confront him yet.”
Helen hated that.
Then understood.
Jason believed she was weaker now.
Good.
Let him.
Helen began asking for help more often.
“Jason, can you bring the mail?”
“Jason, can you explain this bill?”
“Jason, I can’t remember the bank password.”
He became nicer.
That was the revealing part.
When Helen resisted him, he was cruel.
When she appeared dependent, he became patient.
Almost loving.
Mia noticed.
One afternoon Jason sat beside Helen.
“Mom, you should let me handle the house.”
Helen looked uncertain.
“What do you mean?”
“Just bills. Repairs. Taxes.”
“You already help.”
“I mean officially.”
He produced a document.
Power of attorney amendment.
Helen stared.
“I thought we had one.”
“We do. This just simplifies it.”
Helen pretended to struggle with the page.
“What does durable mean?”
Jason smiled.
“It means I can help even if you get sicker.”
Mia stood near the kitchen doorway.
Listening.
Helen asked:
“Can Rachel read it?”
Jason’s smile disappeared.
“No need.”
“Why?”
“She charges you every time you call.”
Then:
“I’m family.”
Helen looked at him.
“Yes.”
He thought he had won.
He pushed the pen toward her.
Helen took it.
Then deliberately dropped it.
“Oh.”
Jason bent to pick it up.
May you like
Mia saw Helen’s hand stop trembling immediately.
Jason did not.
