When my father died, I expected grief—not exile. Cheryl, my stepmother, waited just two days after the funeral to tell me I had to leave. Her words were sharp: “You’re not really family anymore.” I walked away silent, heartbroken, clutching only my guitar and a bag of memories.

That night, I called Aunt Janine. My voice didn’t shake—I’d already cried myself dry. She didn’t press, just said, “Go back tomorrow morning. I’ll be there.” I didn’t realize then: those few words carried weight, history, and justice.

At sunrise, five black SUVs lined Cheryl’s driveway. She opened the door and froze. Inside stood Aunt Janine with a team of lawyers and a quiet fury: “The house was left to Ellie,” she said, holding up the trust papers. Cheryl argued, but it was over. In one hour, she was gone.

That night, I slept in my childhood room for the first time in years. I wrapped myself in Dad’s old jacket, his scent still tucked in the collar. Aunt Janine and I made pecan pie, just like Mom used to.