The Bound Between Us

Sandy walked into the living room, instantly annoyed at the sight of her mom,

Ashley, crying like the world was ending. Honestly, did she have to fall apart every single time something happened? Sandy just couldn't deal with it.

Sean shot her a warning look. "Sandy, could you maybe not right now?"

She sighed. "Sean, come on, it's not like this is the first time with Mom and Dad. If we don't deal with their mess, are we just supposed to pretend it's all fine forever?" Her tone was sharp, unsympathetic. "Can you give us a minute alone? I need to talk to Mom."

Sean hesitated, then leaned closer, voice low. "Sandy, Mom's already upset. Go easy, okay?"

He looked genuinely worried. Sandy had a reputation-when she got tough, nobody was safe, not even Dad or the people she loved.

"Yeah, yeah, I hear you," Sandy muttered, already losing patience.

Sean headed upstairs, casting a last glance back. Ashley was curled up on the couch, sniffling like her heart had just been broken.

Sandy couldn't help rolling her eyes. "Mom, crying like this isn't going to bring Dad back. Seriously, there are plenty of men out there. If this doesn't work out, the next one's probably better."

Ashley looked up, tears running down her face. "That's easy for you to say. I've spent decades with your father. How do I just throw that away?"

got so much going for you-why waste time on a guy in his fifties? Honestly, if you wanted, you could find yourself a young, hot boyfriend. There's plenty out there." Ashley looked completely scandalized. "Sandy! How can you say something like

truth. Sitting here crying about Dad isn't helping anyone. You had all the cards, and now you're just throwing them away. And honestly, going to Salma or Anastasia for help? That was your

with anger. "You little brat. You're lecturing me now? I

out a short laugh. "Mom, really? You think Anastasia would ever donate her bone marrow to me? You're just making life harder for yourself. If I were you, I'd get a divorce and actually

reached out to touch her forehead. "Sandy, are you feeling okay? Why are you talking like

her hand away. "Herman? He's nothing. If he wasn't useful, I wouldn't have bothered with him. If

got the meaning. "You... you're saying your

"Glad to see you're

anger and disbelief. She slapped Sandy, hard. "Sandy! Are you insane? That was you father How could you? Ever since you got better,

through the room. Sandy's cheek turned red and swollen

stairs. Hearing the

hysterical. "She's lost her mind, Sean! She just admitted to hurting your dad! She's not my daughter

please, you need to calm

knew about this?" Ashley stared at her two kids, shocked. "Did

that was

"You're never going to get it, Mom Here's some advice: women who give