My parents texted me, “The Christmas party has been canceled. Don’t come, my love.” They had no idea I was standing right outside the door, watching them and my sister raise a glass and say, “Merry Christmas—it’s so much better without So

laughed. “And to not having Sophia’s drama this year.”

Chloe raised her glass higher. “Merry Christmas,” she said, voice dripping with victory. “It’s so much better without Sophia here.”

My hands went numb around the cookie tin.

My phone buzzed again in my pocket—another text from Mom:

MOM: Don’t be upset. We’ll celebrate later. Love you.

Later. The word continue reading …