Chapter 19 - Louis moves out
I gave them sixty days.
Dan confirmed the proper process based on our informal occupancy arrangement and state law.
No midnight lockout.
No driveway suitcases.
Written notice.
Access maintained.
Utilities handled.
Louis was furious.
“You’re evicting your son.”
“I’m ending an arrangement.”
“Same thing.”
“Emotionally, maybe.”
Carla said:
“We can’t find anything affordable in sixty days.”
I offered one concession.
I would pay the security deposit on a modest rental directly to the landlord.
Loan, not gift.
Written.
Twelve-month repayment beginning after three months.
Louis hated accepting it.
Then did.
They found a two-bedroom duplex.
Smaller than their old apartment.
Twenty minutes away.
Moving day was strange.
My house emptied gradually.
Their sofa.
Television.
Boxes.
The $1,900 sectional came out of storage and went directly to the duplex.
I said nothing.
At the end Louis stood in the foyer.
Rocky’s bowl was no longer there.
He looked toward the stairs.
“Feels weird.”
“Yes.”
“You sure?”
“Yes.”
He nodded.
Then hugged me.
I did not expect that.
Held him back.
He whispered:
“I’m still mad.”
“So am I.”
“Okay.”
May you like
Then left.
That was our cleanest conversation in months.
