“Where Did You Go? We Came to Visit, and You Weren’t Home,” Exclaimed My Cousin

It was a chilly autumn evening when my cousin Vivian, along with her husband Eugene, decided to surprise me with a visit. They had driven all the way from their quaint suburban home in Ohio to the bustling streets of New York City, where I had moved two years prior. The city was where I met Joshua, a charming and ambitious graphic designer who swept me off my feet. After a whirlwind romance, we tied the knot and began our life together, full of dreams and aspirations.

Initially, Joshua and I lived with his parents in their spacious yet aging Brooklyn brownstone. It was supposed to be a temporary arrangement, allowing us to save enough money to buy a place of our own. Life with his parents was comfortable but crowded, and our privacy was limited. We were grateful, though, as it gave us the financial breathing room we desperately needed.

As months turned into a year, our savings began to grow, albeit slower than we had hoped. The high cost of living in the city was a relentless challenge, and unexpected expenses often dipped into our carefully curated nest egg. Despite these setbacks, Joshua and I kept our spirits high, often dreaming about the cozy apartment we would one day call our own.

Then, one day, everything changed. Joshua came home from work, his face pale and his hands trembling. The startup he worked for was downsizing, and he was among those who were let go. The news hit us like a ton of bricks. Without his income, our financial stability crumbled. We burned through our savings much faster than anticipated, struggling to keep up with bills and rent.

It was during these trying times that Vivian and Eugene decided to visit. They had always been supportive, and their surprise visit was meant to be a joyful reunion. However, they were met with an empty house. Confused and concerned, they waited, thinking perhaps we were just running late.

Hours passed with no sign of us. Finally, in the dim light of dusk, I arrived, alone. The look of worry on Vivian’s face was evident as she rushed towards me, her earlier excitement replaced by anxiety. “Where did you go? We came to visit, and you weren’t home,” she exclaimed, her voice tinged with frustration and concern.

I forced a smile, my heart heavy. “I’m sorry, Vivian. Things have been really tough lately. Joshua lost his job, and we’ve had to make some hard choices.” The weight of my words hung in the air, heavy and somber.

Vivian’s expression softened, her eyes filled with sympathy. “Oh, honey, why didn’t you tell us? We could have helped.”

The conversation that followed was difficult. I explained that Joshua and I had to move out of his parents’ place. The financial strain was too much, and we couldn’t afford to burden them any longer. We had spent the last few weeks couch surfing with friends while trying to figure out our next steps.

The visit ended on a somber note, with promises of support and frequent check-ins. As Vivian and Eugene drove away, the reality of our situation settled in. Joshua and I were facing an uncertain future, our dreams of a happy, stable home seemingly shattered.