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When my parents demanded rent for the basement I’d turned into a haven, they never expected it would lead to my escape and their ultimate regret.

I’d always felt like the black sheep in my family. It was not just a feeling, though. It was pretty obvious when you looked at how differently my parents treated me and my younger brother, Daniel.

When I was 17, we moved to a two-bedroom house, and my parents decided Daniel needed his own room. Instead of sharing like normal siblings, they shoved me into our unfinished basement.

Meanwhile, he got this huge, bright room upstairs, complete with brand-new everything, like furniture, decorations, and even a gaming setup. Me? I got whatever junk they could scrounge up from the garage.

I remember the day they showed me my new “room.”

Mom gestured around the cold, concrete space like it was some kind of prize. “Elena, honey, isn’t this exciting? You’ll have so much space down here!”

I stared at the bare bulb dangling from the ceiling, the cobwebs in the corners, and the musty smell that clung to everything. “Yeah, Mom. Super exciting.”

Dad clapped me on the shoulder. “That’s the spirit, kiddo! And hey, maybe we can fix it up a bit later, huh?”

Later never came, of course. But I wasn’t about to live in a dungeon forever.

I picked up an after-school job at the local grocery store, bagging groceries and pushing carts. It wasn’t glamorous, but every paycheck brought me closer to transforming my basement prison.

My Aunt Teresa was my saving grace through it all. She’s the only one who knew what my life was like at home.

So, when she heard what I was doing with the basement, she started coming over on weekends, armed with paintbrushes and a contagious enthusiasm.

“Alright, Ellie-girl,” she’d say, tying back her wild curls. “Let’s make this place shine!”

We started with paint, turning the dingy walls into a soft lavender. Then came curtains to hide the tiny windows, area rugs to cover the cold floor, and string lights to chase away the shadows.

It took months because my job didn’t exactly pay much, but slowly, the basement became mine. I hung up posters of my favorite bands, arranged my books on salvaged shelves, and even managed to snag a secondhand desk for homework.

The day I hung up the final touch, a set of LED lights around my bed, I stepped back and felt something I hadn’t in a long time or perhaps my entire life: pride.

I was admiring my handiwork when I heard footsteps on the stairs. Mom and Dad appeared and looked around with raised eyebrows.

“Well, well,” Dad said, his eyes narrowing. “Looks like someone’s been busy.”

I waited for praise, or at least acknowledgment of my hard work. Instead, Mom pursed her lips.

“Elena, if you have money for all this,” she waved her hand at my carefully curated space, “then you can start contributing to the household.”

My jaw dropped. “What?”

“That’s right,” Dad nodded. “We think it’s time you started paying rent.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “Rent? I’m 17! I’m still in high school!”

“And clearly making enough to redecorate,” Mom countered, crossing her arms. “It’s time you learned some financial responsibility.”

I wanted to scream. Daniel had a room three times the size of mine, fully furnished and decorated on their dime, and he’d never worked a day in his life. Yes, he was younger, but still, it was more of their unfairness.

Unfortunately, I knew I couldn’t argue with them, so I bit my tongue. “Fine,” I managed. “How much?”

They named a figure that made my stomach sink. It was doable, but it meant saying goodbye to any hopes of saving for college, which was my plan now that the basement was done.

As if to add insult to injury, Daniel chose that moment to thunder down the stairs. He took one look around and let out a low whistle.

“Whoa, sis. Nice cave.” His eyes landed on my LED lights. “Hey, are these strong?”

Before I could stop him, he reached up and yanked on the strip. The lights came down with a sad flicker, leaving a trail of peeled paint behind them.

“Daniel!” I cried. But my parents rushed to him, asked if something was wrong, and just shrugged at me.

“Boys will be boys,” Dad chuckled as if his golden boy hadn’t just destroyed something I’d worked months for.

So, there I was, standing in my once-again darkened room, fighting back tears of frustration. In the grand scheme of things, Daniel had only ruined my lights, and I could fix that up. But in truth, it was more than that.

It was a symbol of my life; always second best, always the afterthought. But karma, as they say, has a way of evening the score.

A few weeks later, my parents invited Aunt Teresa over for dinner along with some friends. She brought along a woman named Ava, an interior designer from her book club.

We all sat around the dining table and picked at Mom’s overcooked pot roast while she gushed about Daniel and his football team.

But suddenly, Aunt Teresa spoke up. “Ava, you’ve got to see what my niece has done with the basement. It’s incredible!”

I felt my cheeks heat up as all eyes turned to me. “It’s not that big a deal,” I mumbled.

But Ava was intrigued. “I’d love to see it. Do you mind?”

Ignoring my parents’ tight smiles, I led Ava downstairs. As she looked around, her eyes widened.

“Elena, this is amazing. You did all this yourself?”

I nodded, suddenly shy. “Most of it. My aunt helped with some of the bigger stuff.”

Ava ran her hand along the repurposed bookshelf I’d salvaged from a neighbor’s curb. “You have a real eye for design. There wasn’t much potential here, but the way you’ve maximized the space, the color choices… it’s really impressive.”

For the first time in forever, I felt a spark of hope. “Really?”

She nodded and smiled. “In fact, we have an internship opening up at my firm. It’s usually for college students, but… I think we could make an exception for a high school student about to go to college. Are you interested in design as a career?”

I had to stop my jaw from falling off when I tried to speak. “Absolutely! I mean, I’ve never really considered it professionally, but I love it.”

Ava smiled. “Well, consider it now. The internship is paid, and if you do a good job, you might be able to earn a scholarship from the company for college if you pursue design. What do you say?”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “Yes! A thousand times, yes! Thank you!”

“Excellent! You can begin straight away. I’ll call you with details later,” Ava nodded and bypassed my parents as she headed upstairs.

I hadn’t even realized they had followed us downstairs. Their faces were stunned, and my brother looked confused that, for once, the spotlight was on someone else.

That internship changed everything. Suddenly, I had a direction, a purpose, and most importantly, people who valued and wanted me to succeed.

So, I threw myself into learning everything I could about design, stayed late at the firm, and soaked up knowledge like a sponge.

Over the next few months, I juggled school, my internship, and my part-time job at the grocery store. It was exhausting but exhilarating.

At home, things were… different. My parents seemed unsure how to treat me now. The rent demands stopped. Instead, they asked me about my “little job.”

“So, uh, how’s that design thing going?” Dad would wonder over dinner, but he always avoided my eyes.

“It’s great,” I’d reply, trying to keep things nonchalant. My joy didn’t belong to them. “I’m learning so much.”

Daniel, for his part, seemed bewildered. “I don’t get it,” he complained one day. “Why does Elena get an internship and not me?”

Mom patted his hand. “Well, sweetie, that’s because you’re still young. You’ll get an even better one later.”

I rolled my eyes. Of course, they had to placate the favorite.

As the school year progressed, I started putting together my portfolio for college applications. Ava was an incredible mentor, who guided me through the process and helped me choose my best work.

“You’ve got a real talent, Elena,” she told me one afternoon in her office after hours. She had kindly stayed back, so I could finish up my plans. “These schools would be lucky to have you.”

Her words gave me the confidence to aim high. I applied to some of the top design programs in the country, including Ava’s alma mater.

Afterward, the waiting was agony, but finally, it happened. I was in the basement, touching up some paint on my bookshelf, when I heard Mom call down.

“Elena? There’s a big envelope here for you.”

I took the stairs two at a time and ripped the envelope from her hands. “Dear Elena, We are pleased to offer you admission to our School of Design…” My knees went weak, but it only got better!

I couldn’t believe it. Not only had I gotten in, but I’d been offered a full scholarship by the school, the same one Ava attended.

“Well?” Mom asked and gave me a tight smile. “What does it say?”

“I got in. Full ride,” I said, looking up as my eyes watered.

For a moment, there was silence. Then, she went back upstairs. She couldn’t even muster a small congratulation.

My dad said nothing at dinner, and Daniel was somehow angry.

I felt their bitterness. But I didn’t care. Finally, I had what I wanted. Ava held a small celebration for me at the office, and Aunt Teresa held a big bash. It was all I needed.

The next room I decorated was my dorm… then, I redecorated my entire life with colors that shone like my soul, the patterns that made the world unique, and the family I made along the way, who were as supportive as a nice, cozy bed frame that lasts for decades.

Click here to read another story: When Jason’s phone rings in the middle of the night, he finds his daughter crying. During the conversation, he discovers that her landlord is forcing her out of her place. Jason decides to give the landlord a lesson…

My mother-in-law insisted on helping with my home birth, but something felt terribly wrong as she kept slipping out. The moment she left the room again, I heard unsettling voices outside. When I saw what it was, I froze.

The moment I told Josh I wanted a home birth, his eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. But it was nothing compared to the reaction we got from his mother, Elizabeth. You’d think we’d just handed her the keys to a brand-new car.

“Oh, Nancy! This is wonderful news!” Elizabeth gushed, clasping her hands together. “I simply must be there to support you both. I can help with anything you need!”

I exchanged a glance with Josh, my eyebrows raised. His shrug told me he was leaving this one up to me.

“I don’t know, Elizabeth,” I said, my voice hesitant. “It’s going to be pretty intense.”

She waved off my concerns. “Nonsense! I’ve been through it myself, dear. I know exactly what you’ll need.”

I bit my lip, mulling it over. Maybe an extra pair of hands wouldn’t be so bad, right? And it would mean a lot to Josh if I invited his mother to help me with our home birth.

“Alright,” I finally conceded. “You can be there.”

Elizabeth’s squeal of delight was so high-pitched, I swear she could’ve scared the neighborhood dogs.

“You won’t regret this, Nancy,” she said, pulling me into a tight hug. “I promise I’ll be the best support you could ask for.”

The big day finally arrived. Our midwife, Rosie, was setting up her equipment when Elizabeth burst through the door, her arms laden with bags.

“I’m here!” she announced, as if we might have missed her entrance. “Where do you need me?”

I was about to answer when a contraction hit, stealing my breath. Josh was at my side in an instant, his hand on my lower back as I tensed and groaned.

“Just… just put your things down for now,” I managed to gasp out.

As the contraction eased, I noticed Elizabeth fidgeting with something, her eyes darting around the room. She looked more nervous than excited now. And I knew that something was seriously off.

“Are you okay?” I asked, frowning.

She turned around, startled. “What? Oh, yes! Just thinking about what I can do to help. You’re doing just fine, honey. Just keep pushing.”

Before I could press further, she was out the door, muttering something about getting me some water.

Josh squeezed my hand. “Want me to talk to her?”

I shook my head. “No, it’s fine. She’s probably just nervous. It’s our first baby, right?”

As my labor progressed, Elizabeth’s behavior became increasingly odd. She’d pop in, ask how I was doing, then disappear again. Each time she returned, she seemed more flustered.

During a particularly intense contraction, I gripped Josh’s hand so hard I thought I might break it. As the pain ebbed, I became aware of a strange sound.

“Josh,” I panted, “do you hear that?”

He cocked his head and listened. “Sounds like… voices?”

I nodded, relieved I wasn’t imagining things. “And is that music?”

Josh’s brow furrowed. He kissed my forehead and turned around. “I’ll check it out. Be right back.”

As he left, Rosie gave me an encouraging smile. “You’re doing great, Nancy. Not long now.”

When Josh returned, his face was ashen as though he’d seen a ghost.

“What is it?” I asked, dreading the answer.

He ran a hand through his hair, looking pained. “You’re not going to believe this. My mother is throwing a party. In our living room.”

I stared at him, certain I’d misheard. “A what?”

“A party,” he repeated, his voice edged with frustration. “There are at least a dozen people out there.”

The pain of labor was nothing compared to the rage that coursed through me. I struggled to my feet, ignoring my midwife’s protests.

“Nancy, you shouldn’t—”

“I need to see this for myself,” I growled.

Josh supported me as we made our way to the living room. The scene that greeted us was surreal. People were mingling, drinks in hand, as if this were a casual Sunday barbecue.

A banner hanging on the wall read: “WELCOME BABY!”

Elizabeth stood in the center of it all, holding court with a group of women I’d never seen before. She hadn’t even noticed our arrival.

“What the hell is going on here?” I bellowed, my voice cutting through the chatter like a knife.

The room fell silent, all eyes turning to us. Elizabeth spun around, her face paling as she saw me.

“Nancy! Holy Christ! What are you doing here? You’re supposed to—”

“Elizabeth, what’s going on over here?”

“Oh, I… we were just…”

“Just what? Turning my home birth into an exhibition?”

Elizabeth had the audacity to look offended. “Now, Nancy, don’t be dramatic. We’re just celebrating!”

“Celebrating? I’m in labor, Elizabeth! This isn’t a damn social event!”

She waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, you wouldn’t even know we were here! I thought you’d appreciate the support.”

I felt a contraction building and gritted my teeth against the pain and anger. “Support? This isn’t support. This is a circus!”

Josh stepped forward, his voice low and dangerous. “Everyone needs to leave. Now.”

As people scrambled to gather their things, Elizabeth tried one last time. “Nancy, you’re overreacting. This is a joyous occasion!”

I rounded on her, my words clipped and cold. “This is my home birth. My moment. If you can’t respect that, you can leave too.”

Without waiting for a response, I turned and waddled back to the bedroom to finish what I started, leaving Josh to deal with the aftermath.

Hours later, as I held my newborn son in my arms, the earlier drama felt like a distant nightmare. Josh sat beside us, his eyes full of wonder as he stroked our baby’s cheek.

“He’s perfect!” he whispered.

I nodded, too overwhelmed for words. We sat in comfortable silence until a soft knock at the door broke the spell.

Elizabeth peeked in, her eyes red-rimmed. “Can I… can I come in?”

I felt my jaw clench. “No!”

Elizabeth’s face crumpled. “Please, Nancy. I’m so sorry. I just want to see the baby.”

I looked at Josh, conflicted. He squeezed my hand gently, his eyes understanding but pleading.

“Fine. Five minutes.”

Elizabeth entered slowly, as if afraid I might change my mind. Her face was pale and drawn as she approached the bed.

“Nancy, I’m so sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking. I just got so excited and carried away.”

I didn’t respond and just stared at her stonily. Josh cleared his throat. “Would you like to see your grandson, Mom?”

Elizabeth nodded, tears spilling down her cheeks as Josh carefully transferred our son into her arms. As she cradled him, her entire demeanor changed. The party-planning whirlwind was gone, replaced by a gentle, awe-struck grandmother.

After a few minutes, I spoke up. “It’s time for him to feed.”

Elizabeth nodded, reluctantly handing the baby back to me. She lingered for a moment at the door. “Thank you for letting me see him,” she said softly before leaving.

As the door closed behind her, Josh turned to me. “Are you okay?”

I shook my head. “No. What she did… I can’t just forgive and forget, Josh.”

He nodded, pulling me close. “I understand. We’ll figure it out together.”

In the weeks that followed, I wrestled with how to move forward. Part of me wanted to exclude Elizabeth from our son’s first celebration as petty revenge for her home birth hijinks.

I was still angry and hurt, and it was making it hard to even consider including her.

But as I watched her dote on our baby during her visits, always respectful of our space and routines, I realized there was a better way.

When it was time to organize the baby’s first party, I picked up the phone and called her.

“Elizabeth? It’s Nancy. I was hoping you could help with the preparations for the baby’s party next weekend.”

The silence on the other end was deafening. Finally, she spoke. “You want my help? After what I did?”

“Yes. Because this is what family does. We forgive, we learn, and we move forward together.”

I could hear the tears in her voice as she replied, “Oh, Nancy. Thank you. I promise I won’t let you down.”

True to her word, Elizabeth was a model of restraint and support during the party. She helped quietly in the background, beaming with pride as we introduced our son to our friends and family.

As the last guest left, she approached me, her eyes glistening. “Thank you for letting me be part of this, Nancy. I see now that this is how you celebrate. With love and respect.”

I smiled, feeling the barriers between us crumble. “That’s exactly right, Elizabeth. Welcome to the family!”

Here’s another story: My husband set poison traps for the raccoons that raided our trash cans. What they pulled from the trash one night left me frozen and in tears.