Chapter 7 - MOM TESTIFIED
Mom hated court.
She wore a beige sweater.
No apron.
She held my hand until the bailiff called her.
Vanessa’s attorney questioned whether she had approved the first loan.
Mom answered:
“I approved repairs.”
“Did you authorize Vanessa to manage finances?”
“Yes.”
“Did you know she might borrow?”
“No.”
“Did you sign a power of attorney?”
“Yes.”
“Did you trust your daughter?”
“Yes.”
The attorney paused.
That answer mattered.
Trust was not proof Vanessa acted properly.
But it explained access.
Then:
“Did Vanessa force you to cook and clean?”
Mom thought.
“She didn’t chain me to the sink.”
I almost smiled.
Then Mom continued:
“She made it clear I was allowed to stay if I was useful.”
The room became quiet.
“Allowed to stay?”
“Yes.”
“In a property you owned?”
“I did not know I still owned it.”
That was the center.
Vanessa did not need physical confinement.
May you like
She controlled information.
Information became housing power.
