Page 547 of End Game

“It became my life too.”

Mom is quiet long enough that I can hear water dripping into her sink. “I just don't want you changing yourself because you're afraid of losing her.”

The sentence lands harder than she probably intends.

I close my eyes briefly. “Mom, I'm not you.”

Silence.

Heavy this time.

“I know you're not.”

“And Cami isn't Dad.”

“I know.”

“This isn't me staying somewhere that's hurting me because I don't know how to leave.”

Her breath catches slightly.

I hate that I had to say it.

I also don't regret it.

“This is me staying because I'm happy.”

She doesn't answer.

“So please stop making me a victim in my own relationship.” The words come out calmer than they feel.

Mom inhales slowly.

Then exhales.

“Okay.”

Not agreement.

But hearing.

I'll take it.

My voice softens. “I love these guys too.”

That one surprises her.

I can tell from the pause.

“All of them?”

“Yes.”

“In the same way?”

“No.”

The answer comes easy.