My daughter forgot to hang up the phone. I overheard her telling her husband, “He’s a burden. It’s time for a nursing home,” so they could sell my house for $890,000. They had no idea I heard everything — and I called a realtor right after.

Henry hesitated. “Maybe a little. But maybe it’s time.”

“My dad says moving can be scary,” she said, “but it means you’re starting a new story.”

Her words settled in his heart like sunlight after rain.

By afternoon, the appraisal was done — $910,000. “Better than expected,” David said. “Ready to list?”

Henry glanced outside at Ella laughing under the jacaranda tree. For the first time in days, he smiled. “Let’s do it.”

Three days later, the “For Sale” sign stood tall on the lawn. That evening, his daughter, Sarah, stormed in.

“Dad, what are you doing?” she demanded. Her husband, Mark, hovered behind her.

“You said it was time for a nursing home,” Henry replied evenly. “Just thought I’d make things easier.”

Her face turned red. “You misunderstood—”

“I heard every word,” he interrupted. “You didn’t even hang up.”