By Andrew Hoxha 
A Surprise Gone Wrong
I thought I was surprising my parents for Easter with tulips and chocolate. Instead, I discovered they were living in the garage. My sister Cassandra had taken over their house. I let myself in and found a cold, modern space with no trace of our childhood home. “Wait, you didn’t tell me your sister was coming,” she said. I backed out, stunned—and found my parents bundled up in a makeshift garage apartment. “It’s temporary,” my mom whispered.
The Truth Behind the Walls
My dad didn’t even look up. “Your mom’s cold. I told her to wear gloves.” They insisted Cassandra and her boyfriend were “just fixing up the place.” But I knew better. I booked them a hotel room and told them, “You’re not staying in this garage another night.” As a contracts manager, I knew where to look. I found the house deed—still in my parents’ names. Cassandra? Legally, just a guest.
Playing Her Game
Before taking action, I invited Cassandra to lunch. She came smiling, unaware. “I know it’s been tense, but I think we’re finally on the same page,” she said. I let her talk, then said, “Also—I recorded this whole conversation.” Three days later, I returned with an eviction notice and police escort. Cassandra tried to charm her way out, but the officer said, “You’ve been served.”
Coming Home
A week later, my parents were home again. My mom smiled at the floral centerpiece: “I thought this was gone.” My dad handed me the deed and said, “This is yours. You were the one who came back.” Cassandra now crashes on couches. But my parents are safe, warm, and finally back where they belong. Easter ended with tulips on the table and laughter in the air—just like it used to be.