**Laura**
I left my dad and Stephen in the living room and went upstairs to the bedroom where we were staying. I needed some time to myself.
I can’t quite explain why I felt upset about my dad wanting me and Stephen to have his house, but I did. It wasn’t just my dad’s house; it was my mother’s too.
When I heard my dad talk about tearing it down to build our own house, it triggered something deep inside me. I didn’t want that.
I didn’t want my parents' house; I wanted something that was truly mine. This was just too much to handle.
I sat down on the bed, realizing I had been standing there in silence for too long. My mind was racing with thoughts.
The bedroom door opened, and Stephen walked in, looking at me with concern.
“Okay, what’s going through your head?” he asked gently.
“I
