Mr. Fisher stepped forward, extending a hand that I pointedly ignored. “Mrs. Richter, my name is Dr. Fisher. I specialize in family law. Your children are deeply concerned about your mental well-being and have asked me to assess the situation.”
I did not acknowledge him. Instead, I walked directly to the table and began gathering my papers from under his hands. “These are my private documents. You have no right to be looking at them without my express permission.”
“Mom,” Max interjected, using that condescending, patient tone he had perfected, “we’re worried about you. Your behavior has been… erratic. First, you cut us off financially without a word of explanation. Then you ignore all our calls. We think you might need some professional help.”
Lena approached me, trying to take my hand with a show of tender sympathy. “Renate, honey, we know you’ve been under a lot of stress lately. The loneliness, it can affect you more than you realize. At your age, little episodes of confusion are completely normal.”
The word “confusion” echoed in the quiet room like a gunshot. Now I understood the full scope of their plan. This wasn’t about helping me; it was about control. They wanted to have me declared mentally incompetent so they could seize control of my finances.
“I am not confused,” I stated, my voice low and firm. “I am clearer than I have been in years. And all three of you are going to leave my house. Right now.”
Mr. Fisher cleared his throat, adopting a professionally reasonable tone. “Mrs. Richter, I understand you feel overwhelmed, but your children have a legal right to intervene if they believe your capacity for sound financial judgment is impaired. They have documented several concerning behavioral shifts.”
“Concerning behaviors?” A short, harsh laugh escaped my lips. “Such as what? Deciding that my money belongs to me? Choosing to no longer finance the lives of two adults who treat me like an inconvenience?”
Lena recoiled as if I had slapped her. “We have never treated you badly! You are part of our family! Everything you have will belong to us one day anyway! We are just trying to… streamline the process.”…
