My Niece took My Daughter’s New Tablet And Said, “Auntie Says I Can Have Whatever I Want.” My…

After cake, after the other kids left, Maya walked up to Emma and just took it out of her hands. “Auntie says I can have whatever I want.”

Emma looked at me confused. “Daddy?”

I looked at Jessica. “Tell your daughter to give it back.”

Jessica crossed her arms. “She’s right, your kid has too much anyway. Maya never gets nice things like this. You make good money, we struggle. It’s only fair.”

“It’s Emma’s birthday present.”

“And Maya never gets presents like this,” Jessica said.

“You could buy Emma another one. We can’t afford this for Maya.” “That’s not my problem, Jessica.”

“Family helps family, Simon.” There it was again, that phrase, that weapon.

Clare stood up. “Give Emma her tablet back now.”

Jessica’s face went hard. “You two are so selfish. You have everything: nice house, good jobs, only one kid so you can spoil her rotten. Maya deserves nice things too.”

“Then buy them for her,” I said quietly.

“But you’re not taking my daughter’s birthday present.” I walked over to Maya, who was already swiping through Emma’s new tablet, and gently took it from her hands.

She started crying immediately, a loud theatrical wailing. Jessica rushed over. “Look what you did! You made her cry!”

“I took back something that wasn’t hers.” “You’re so out of line, Simon. You’ve always been like this. You have to have everything your way. You can’t share.”

Something in me snapped. It was not loud, not explosive, just a click like a lock sliding into place.

“Emma,” I said calmly.

“Go upstairs and pack a bag. We’re going to Grandma and Grandpa’s for the weekend.” “But Daddy, my friends—”

“Now, sweetheart.” Emma knew my cop voice and she went upstairs.

I turned to Jessica. “You need to leave my house.”

“Oh, we’re leaving, don’t worry. Come on Maya, let’s go to the lake house where we’re actually appreciated.” “About that,” I said.

“You have 30 days to remove all your belongings from the lake house.” Jessica froze. “What?”

“The lake house is mine. I’ve let you use it for free for 8 years. That’s over. You have 30 days to get your stuff out.” “You can’t kick us out! That’s the family house!”

“It’s my house. I own it. Check the deed if you don’t believe me.” “Mom and Dad will never forgive you for this!”

“Then I guess I’ll deal with that.” Trevor, who’d been silent this whole time, put his hand on Jessica’s arm.

“Let’s just go.” “No!” Jessica’s voice was getting shrill.

“This is ridiculous! Over a stupid tablet? You’re going to destroy the family over this?” “I’m not destroying anything,” I said.

“You did that when you taught your daughter she’s entitled to other people’s things, when you decided my generosity was your right, when you forgot that boundaries exist. Thirty days, Jessica. After that, you’re trespassing.”

They left. Maya was still crying and Jessica was calling me every name she could think of.

Trevor looked embarrassed but said nothing. After they were gone, Clare hugged me.

“You okay?” “No, but I did the right thing.”

“You did.” Emma came downstairs with her packed bag.

“Are we really going to Grandma’s?” “Actually,” I said.

“We’re going to the lake house. Just us. Our family, like we should have been doing all along.”

A Clean Break and a New Owner

That weekend at the lake house was perfect. Emma swam in the lake, we grilled burgers on the dock, and I taught her to fish.

No Jessica, no Maya, no drama. It was just my family enjoying property that was actually ours.

On Monday I called a real estate agent. “I need to sell a property fast.”

Sarah Kimble had sold houses in the area for 20 years. She took one look at the lake house and whistled.

“This will sell in a week. Beautiful property, great location. I can list it at $340,000 and we’ll probably get multiple offers.” “List it at $320,000,” I said.

“I want it sold quickly.” “You sure? You could get more.”

“I’m sure.” She listed it Tuesday and by Friday we had three offers.

I accepted one for $335,000 from a nice couple from Boston looking for a vacation property. It was a cash sale, set to close in 2 weeks.

I didn’t tell Jessica; I figured she’d find out soon enough. Day 15 came and went and Jessica’s stuff was still at the lake house.

I drove by on day 20; her car was there. They were using it like nothing had changed.

Day 30 arrived, closing day. The new owners, Mike and Laura Chun, met me at the lawyer’s office.

Papers were signed and money was transferred. The house was theirs.

I handed them the keys. “There might be one small problem.”

“What’s that?” “My sister’s family has been using the house. They were supposed to be out by today. I’m not sure if they left.”

Mike frowned. “Are they still there?”

“Possibly.” “Do we need to get the police involved?”

I pulled out my badge. “I am the police. If they’re still there when you arrive, call the non-emergency number. Officers will respond and remove them for trespassing.”

Laura’s eyes widened. “Your own sister?”