Tacoma Falls: Homeland

Listen here, toad

Morgan

After Aunt Jessap's news, the doctor from the clinic called me. All my tests came back clean. That toad didn't give me any gifts. Thank you, the Lord, sweet Jesus.

Did he stop making my life hell? No.

I met with Maury to discuss Momma's estate. Hank waited in the truck for me so people didn't talk.

I sat across from Maury as he read Momma's will to me.

"I leave my only daughter, Morgan Sullivan, my house, my bank account, and any assets. I also leave her a letter." Maury handed me a white envelope with my name scrawled on the front.

I took it from him and moved it around in my hands.

"Josephine did a quick claim deed. It avoids probate. She put you as a beneficiary on her bank account. All medical bills have been settled. Your momma's affairs are settled. Any questions?"

"No." I shook my head.

"I'll file the paperwork with the county for the property."

I nodded, stood up, and left Maury's office. Once I opened the door, Rodney was waiting for me. He was like a nasty fungal infection that kept returning.

"I don't have the energy to deal with you today," I said, walking away from him.

"You better get the energy, Morgan. You won't like it when I drag your lover through the muck. I'm sure his daddy won't approve of sneaking around with a married woman!"

I spun around and stormed toward Rodney. "Listen here, toad! You leave Hank out of it. You caused this mess. You! Not me! You've been cheating on me longer than six months and lied. You dragged me from my home and family with excuses and lies. You broke our marriage."

Rodney leaned into me. "Don't think I don't know about your little revenge with your little friend. I'm sure the judge will appreciate illegal computer tactics to get information."

"Phone records don't lie. And I have a huge stack of them. Keep it up, toad." I folded my arms across my chest as Rodney's face blanched. "You best leave me alone before I have you arrested for harassment."

Rodney scowled at me.

I shook my head and walked away from him. I was sick and tired of his threats. He spent most of our relationship threatening me. Like a gullible fool, I believed him.

I climbed into Hank's truck and slammed the door shut.

"Are you okay, Darlin?"

"I don't know if I'll ever be okay. Take me home."

Hank started the truck and drove me home. Home. My momma's house was now mine. I got it the minute she took her final breath.

Don't you worry, Morgan. You'll always have a home. No matter what. You'll never worry about a home.

Was Momma trying to tell me something when I refused to listen to her? Did she perceive my marriage wouldn't last? Was I too stubborn to realize she was right?

******
Hank

Morgan didn't say much on the drive to her house. She stayed lost in her thoughts. I pulled up to her house. She couldn't get out of my truck fast enough. I rushed after her as she ran past the house.

Morgan stopped as my steps faltered. Her shoulders shook until she whirled around to me. "Why? Why can't I be happy? Why does someone always make life so damn difficult? I shouldn't bury my momma at my age! She should be here!"