Chapter 257

256. 256
“ She knows I like Donald’s cousin , even though he doesn’t feel the same way , and I’m just setting myself up for heartbreak . But she respects my feelings . We both understand the importance of boundaries .
“ When we’re upset , we meet up for drinks and don’t stop until we’re tipsy . When we’re happy , we snack and gossip . Our relationship works because we give each other space and allow for little secrets .
“ This is something you, as her sister , should understand . But clearly , you don’t . It’s obvious you don’t truly love Teresa .
“ You’re just using Teresa being your sister as an excuse to boss her around , to feel superior . But you’ve never stopped to think about whether Teresa is happy . ”
Miriam’s accusations hit Jennifer hard . Taking a deep breath , Jennifer said , “ I know . No matter what I say now , it’ll be wrong . I’ll reflect on myself and think about whether my actions have caused Teresa a lot of stress .
“ Right now , all I want is to find Teresa . As long as she and Mike are safe , that’s all that
matters . ”
“ They’re safe , so you can stop worrying . ” Miriam said , taking a deep breath . “ Before came here , she sent me an email asking me not to worry about her . ”
“ Really ? ” Jennifer’s voice trembled as tears welled up in her eyes . Her hands balled into fists , shaking with frustration . “ What was the subject of her email ? ”
you
Miriam shook her head , her tone firm but gentle . “ If you truly care about her , Jennifer , maybe it’s time to give her some space , ” she said . “ If she wants to tell you something , she’ll reach out herself . Everyone needs their space . ”
Jennifer left Miriam’s house in silence , her heart heavy with unanswered questions . As she stepped outside , her phone rang . She quickly answered , hoping it was Teresa . But it was Donald .
Feeling utterly alone , Jennifer suddenly couldn’t bear the solitude . She sent Donald her location on WhatsApp , and he came to find her .
As she watched him step out of the car, his eyes filled with concern , Jennifer felt her chest tighten , the weight of her emotions threatening to overwhelm her .
Her voice cracked as tears spilled down her cheeks . “ How did it come to this ? I only wanted what was best for Teresa . That’s why I told her I was saving up to buy a house . I wanted to bring her to live with me ..
“ But today , I realized she never wanted to live with me in the first place .” Her voice faltered , thick with emotion . “ I don’t understand . What did I do wrong ? Everything I did was for her own good . ”
Donald reached out , his hand resting gently on her head . “ When my sister was little , I
256 256
used to be the same way . One day , she told me to stop trying to run her life . She didn’t want to be guilt – tripped into doing things my way .
“ At first , I didn’t get it either . But she explained that not respecting her freedom and choices was a form of emotional manipulation . When I thought about it seriously , I realized I had been overstepping , and it made her resent me . ”
Jennifer gave a bitter smile , her voice tinged with exhaustion . “ Being an older sibling is so hard . If you don’t care , you’re neglectful . If you care too much , you’re overbearing . Sometimes , I wish I didn’t have to be her older sister . ”
Donald wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes , his voice steady and reassuring . ” Hey , don’t be so hard on yourself . Teresa is in her twenties now . She’s an adult . She probably doesn’t want you meddling too much in her life . ”
“ I understand , ” Jennifer said softly , “ I just want her to come back . She’s my only sister . I want to sit down and have a proper talk with her . I don’t want us to end up as strangers who never speak again . ”
‘ Teresa , come back , Jennifer cried inwardly .
Donald gently pulled Jennifer into a hug , his arms a steady anchor in her storm of emotions . “ When she’s ready to come back , she will . Stop overthinking it , and don’t put so much pressure on yourself . ”
Jennifer leaned into Donald’s embrace , his steady presence the only thing keeping her from falling apart .
2/2