Bobby removed his gray cap. “No, Clayton. She told me you’d arranged everything before entering the home. I thought I was following your wishes.” Daddy shook his head. “I never made that arrangement.” Bobby immediately offered to bring copies of every payment. Daddy thanked him, then turned his chair toward me. “Take me home, sweetheart. We have some things to discuss.”

That evening, Daddy asked me to bring every nursing home bill and payment receipt. When I told him I had paid $75,600 over three years, his eyes filled with sadness. “You sacrificed your retirement because you believed I had nothing left,” he whispered. I tried to reassure him, but he squeezed my hand. “You were helping me, and I’m grateful. But someone made sure you never knew the truth.” The next morning, he called Sherry and asked her to visit. She arrived smiling, carrying a bakery box, until she noticed the papers spread across his table.