Chapter 2

Only then did Stella nod in satisfaction. Her gaze passed over David and landed on Sophie and me, instantly cooler. “Come inside. It's hot out.”

That was how it felt every single time I came back here: I was invisible, and Sophie was extra baggage.

Inside, Frank was sprawled on the sofa watching TV with his feet propped on the coffee table. He didn't even bother to stand when we walked in. He just lifted his chin and said, “You're here? Sit.”

Henry was on the floor playing games on his phone without even looking up.

David set the bags down and greeted everyone one by one. Sophie stayed behind me without making a sound, so I gently nudged her. “Sophie, say hi to Grandpa and Uncle Frank.”

Sophie said softly, “Hello, Grandpa. Hello, Uncle Frank.”

Frank only grunted without even turning his head. My father-in-law, Julian Carter sat in the corner smoking. When he heard Sophie's voice, he looked up once, then lowered his head and kept smoking.

I took a deep breath and told myself to endure it. Two days. We'd be gone soon.

We hadn't been sitting for even ten minutes before Linda leaned out from the kitchen and called, “Claire, come help me pick some vegetables. There are too many people for lunch, and I can't handle it alone.”

I glanced at Sophie. She was clutching my hand tightly and wouldn't let go.

David said, “Go ahead. I'll watch Sophie.”

I hesitated, then placed Sophie's hand in David's and told her, “Mommy's going to help Aunt Linda cook. Stay with Daddy and play for a bit, okay?”

Sophie nodded reluctantly, her eyes red, but she still let go of my hand.

I followed Linda into the kitchen.

The kitchen was big, but it was a mess. Dirty dishes were piled across the counters, and the floor was littered with vegetable scraps and plastic bags.

Linda handed me a basin of green beans. “Strip the strings and snap them into pieces.”

I took the bowl and crouched beside the trash can to start trimming them.

Linda chopped meat beside me and made small talk as she worked. “So do all you city people hire nannies?”

I said, “We hired one. She watches Sophie during the day and cooks too.”

Linda's tone turned sour. “Money really does make life different. We're nothing like that. Frank's little store barely makes anything, Henry's schooling costs money, mom's health isn't great, and every little thing needs cash.”

I didn't answer. I'd seen this routine too many times in David's messages. First came the complaints, then the ask either to borrow money or to get Frank a job.

Sure enough, once Linda finished cutting the meat, she wiped her hands, leaned closer, and lowered her voice. "Claire, does your company need people?

"Frank's store really can't keep going. Could you maybe arrange something for him? It doesn't have to be amazing. Around 3,300 dollars a month would be fine."

I said to her, “Linda, my company is in the city. If Frank goes to work there, what happens to the store? And what about Henry's school?”

“We could sell the store, obviously. And Henry can transfer to a school in the city, but... I heard city schools cost a lot.”

I smiled and said nothing.

Seeing I wouldn't take the bait, Linda's face darkened, but she said no more.

After I finished the beans, I helped peel garlic and slice ginger. I stayed in the kitchen for nearly an hour.

When I finally went back to the backyard, the sight in front of me made my whole body freeze.