Chapter 410

"Jon, you—"

Walter's words struck a nerve with Darren. His son was now bedridden, unable to even care for himself, let alone support them in their old age. What use was such a "pillar of the family"?

Jonathan Ferguson regarded his parents calmly. "Mom, Dad, I came to take you to town. I know what happened here, but this time, I won't intervene. Last time I tried to help, it only made things worse for Sean. If we'd just stuck to farming those few acres, maybe he wouldn’t be in this state."

He paused, then continued, "Darren can barely manage himself now, and Sean’s condition is what it is. Come with me. There’s nothing left here anyway—the house is gone. My car’s outside."

Eleanor opened her mouth to protest, but Walter silenced her with a look.

"Jon’s right," Walter sighed. "If not for him, we’d never have had that house to begin with. We spoiled Sean rotten. We’ll go with you."

Darren’s heart sank. If his parents left, Jon would never lift a finger for them again.

"Mom! Dad! How can you abandon Sean? You raised him yourselves!" Darren stomped his foot in frustration.

Eleanor wiped her tears, hesitating.

Walter scoffed. "We’re leaving for your sake. If you work the land properly, save up for Sean’s treatment and rebuilding, you’ll manage. But if you’d rather we stay, fine—Jon’s retirement house for us is still standing."

Darren choked on his words. The last thing he needed was two more mouths to feed.

"That’s not what I meant," he stammered. "You should go with Jon. Staying here would just mean more hardship."

Walter snorted and led Eleanor out without another word. Darren stood frozen, watching as his parents climbed into the shiny new sedan.

Dust swirled behind the tires, stinging his eyes. He knew—no one would ever send money to this house again.