One day before my brother’s wedding, he demanded my penthouse and told me to move into a rental home. – Welcome

and exchange presents then.”

Her voice had that careful softness she used whenever she wanted something unpleasant to sound perfectly reasonable.

I looked at the clock above the bakery counter.

11:18 a.m.

Christmas Day.

I had spent the morning finishing gifts, buying Mom’s favorite coffee, and planning to arrive early enough to help prepare dinner.

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