Chapter 22 - The Relatives Who Paid
Family money relationships took longest.
Some relatives felt victims because they paid Richard.
Some felt guilty because they used without asking.
Some both.
Sarah helped structure final notice:
Anyone with payment claims against Lake Voss Recreation had deadline in restitution/forfeiture process.
Do not send Arden money.
Do not contact Arden for refunds.
This protected.
Aunt Liora waived refund.
Maren too.
Hollis demanded full $2,100.
Government reviewed and reimbursed only certain unearned/canceled weekend payment. He had received stays for others.
He complained.
Not my problem.
Then one cousin argued:
“If Arden gets restitution and we don’t, she profits.”
No.
My property used commercially.
Value belonged to me, subject expenses.
They got lodging.
This distinction annoyed family but law handled.
Then the twenty guest canceled weekend.
Most had paid before Friday.
Because no stay occurred, those payments were fully refundable.
Keaton’s account and forfeiture returned.
Good.
No relative lost canceled weekend money ultimately.
That mattered.
Then Aunt Liora organized later family reunion at a rented campground.
She sent:
“Arden, invited. No obligation.”
I went.
Everyone paid campground directly.
No one expected me to stock fridge.
Hollis avoided.
Fine.
Keaton came.
Mom.
Dad did not; supervision then maybe.
We ate barbecue.
Someone joked:
“Who owns this place?”
Silence.
Then Liora:
“The campground company. We have receipt.”
Everyone laughed.
May you like
Even me.
Humor can return after truth.
