The days that followed Miriam's talk with Pastor Elias were uneasy but calm. Caleb stayed away, and though his absence gnawed at her heart, the house breathed easier. The younger children laughed more freely, their shoulders lighter without his shadow looming over them.
But peace never lasted long.
On Friday night, the door burst open with a crash. Caleb stormed in, his eyes blazing, his movements sharp and restless. Miriam smelled the smoke before he spoke.
"Where's my money?" he demanded, his voice rough.
Miriam's heart clenched. "What money, Caleb?"
"The money you hide from me," he spat. "I know you've got it. Give it to me."
Samuel stepped forward, his fists tight. "She doesn't owe you anything."
Caleb's glare snapped to his brother. "Stay out of this."
Miriam raised her hand, her voice firm. "Caleb, listen to me. I will not give you money for drugs. I will not feed your destruction. If you want food, if you want shelter, this house is open. But if you raise your hand against me or your siblings again, you will leave."
Her words were steady, but her heart pounded. The younger children huddled together, their eyes wide with fear.
Caleb's face twisted with rage. He slammed his fist against the wall, the sound echoing through the small house. "You think you can control me? You think your prayers mean anything?"
Miriam's voice rose, trembling but unyielding. "I am your mother. I will always love you. But I will not let you destroy this family. You must choose, Caleb---respect or exile."
For a moment, silence hung heavy. Caleb's chest heaved, his fists clenched, but he did not strike. Instead, he turned and stormed out, the door rattling on its hinges.
Miriam sank into a chair, her body trembling. Samuel placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice low. "Ma, he's getting worse. What if he doesn't stop?"
Miriam closed her eyes, whispering a prayer. "Then we will stand firm. We will not let darkness win. Even if he refuses the light, we will keep it burning here."
Her words were fragile, but they carried the strength of a mother who refused to surrender.