It was a Tuesday afternoon when I found myself in the dimly lit waiting area of Caldwell & Associates. The air was thick with the smell of leather-bound books, and the faint hum of a copier in the background provided a rhythm to my thoughts. I fidgeted with the edge of the envelope I had brought with me, its contents already memorized by heart. The receptionist had assured me Mr. Caldwell was running just a few minutes late.
At exactly 2:07 PM, I was ushered into his office. Mr. Caldwell was a tall man, his demeanor calm with a hint of practiced empathy. He gestured for me to sit, his desk meticulously arranged with a single folder placed at its center. “Thank you for coming,” he said, his tone measured.
“I have some questions about my parent’s financial arrangements,” I began, keeping my voice steady. He nodded, sliding the folder towards me. It was labeled with my parent’s name and the date: March 15th.
“Everything is in order,” he assured, “your sibling has been managing things as per the agreement.” The calmness of his voice was almost unsettling. I opened the folder, revealing pages of transactions and decisions, all neatly documented.
The signature line at the bottom of each page bore my sibling’s name, a reminder of their legal authority. It was both a relief and a cause for concern. “I’d like to understand the extent of their control,” I said, choosing my words carefully.
“Of course,” Mr. Caldwell replied, “It’s all detailed here.” He leaned back, allowing me to peruse the documents. As I scanned through them, a pattern of subtle reallocations and unchecked authority emerged. The power imbalance was evident, yet my sibling’s actions were hidden in plain sight.
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