Lisa returned to her childhood home for only one reason: to take her mother, leave, and never return. But one question remained unanswered — why did her mother despise their late neighbor so much? After entering his home, she finally got the answer. One she wished she had known long ago. As I pulled up to my childhood home, a mix of emotions washed over me. The house looked almost the same as I remembered — a little worn around the edges but still standing strong.

Stepping out of the car, I took a moment to just breathe in the familiar scent of the garden, the faint hint of old wood. Memories began rushing back, each one pulling me deeper into the past. The last time I was here was years ago, at a family gathering that felt more like a chore than a celebration. I’d always kept my distance, wrapped up in my own life, job, friends — so many things that felt urgent and important back then.

Susan was a woman with strong opinions and a quick temper. As a child, I found it hard to talk to her, and as she got older, our conversations became even more difficult. We often clashed over small things, and it seemed simpler to keep my distance.

But as time went on, I noticed changes. When we talked on the phone, she’d mention how hard it was to keep up with the house and how grocery shopping and cleaning felt like big challenges. Her voice sounded weaker, her words slower. I knew it was time to bring her closer to me, somewhere she’d be safe and cared for. Strangely, she finally agreed to move after her neighbor Jeremy passed away — a man she’d never liked.

From childhood, I remembered her warning me to stay away from him, forbidding me from playing near his yard. He had been nothing but kind to me. But even now, I can remember his gentle smile, warm and kind, so different from my mother’s harsh words about him. With my bags weighing down my arms, I took a deep breath and stepped toward the house, taking in the sight of its familiar walls and slightly faded paint. Pushing open the door, a wave of nostalgia hit me.

The entryway smelled faintly of old wood and lavender, just as it always had. Almost immediately, I heard my mother’s voice, sharp and unmistakable, calling from upstairs. “Lisa, is that you?” “Yes, Mom. Are you packing already?” I called back, trying to keep my tone light. “I still need some time. Clean up on the first floor!” she replied, her voice carrying a hint of impatience. I looked up the stairs and thought about offering to help, hoping to make things easier and maybe share a few quiet moments. “How about I help you? It’ll be faster, Mom.”

“No!” she snapped, her voice firm and unwavering. “Did you hear what I said!? Stay out of here — I’ll do it myself!” I’d learned over the years that it was better to let her have her way than to start a debate over something as simple as packing. “Alright, Mom,” I murmured under my breath, rolling my eyes a bit as I set my bags down and began looking around the living room.