“I will. When you tell Lily to go.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
A shadow moved in the doorway. Linda’s voice cut in like a blade.
“Over my dead body.”
I turned to Ryan.
“You have to choose.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
Night came heavy. Lily scrolled her phone. Linda whispered sharp words into hers. Caleb wiped the counters. My son’s warm breath steadied me.
“Emily,” Ryan started. “I’m scared.”
“Of who?”
He glanced at his mother. “Of disappointing her. Of being the bad son.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
“Be a good father instead. Be a good husband. The rest can live with it.”
He walked into the living room. “Mom? You and Lily need to pack up. Tonight.”
Linda laughed.
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“I’m not. I love you. But this is our home. I should’ve been there for my family. I’m fixing that now.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
Lily sat up. “But where…”
“There’s a hotel on Maple,” Ryan barked. “Mom pays for the week.”
Linda clutched her purse, looking at me.
“You’ll regret this.”
“Maybe. But not tonight.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
The door closed. The house exhaled.
