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The pieces clicked together with horrible clarity. The surgery I\u2019d had. They\u2019d insisted on handling all my paperwork afterward. The power of attorney documents they\u2019d brought to the hospital, claiming it was \u201cjust temporary.\u201d The way my financial adviser had stopped returning my calls.<\/p>\n
\u201cDavid,\u201d I said carefully, setting down my glass. \u201cI\u2019d like to go back to shore now.\u201d<\/p>\n
That\u2019s when his mask slipped completely. \u201cI\u2019m afraid that\u2019s not going to happen, Mom.\u201d His voice was different now. Harder. \u201cSee, we need to have a conversation about your health. About your memory issues.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMemory issues? I\u2019m sharper than both of you combined.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ve been showing signs of dementia,\u201d Vanessa added, stepping closer. \u201cWe have it documented. The doctors agree you\u2019re no longer capable of managing your financial affairs.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s absurd.\u201d But even as I said it, I realized how carefully they\u2019d orchestrated this. The boat was miles from shore. No other vessels in sight.<\/p>\n
\u201cMom, we\u2019re trying to help you,\u201d David said, but his eyes were cold as winter. \u201cWe can do this the easy way or the hard way.\u201d<\/p>\n
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