in then, home

the anger vanishing, replaced by a b

us? I don't want her anymore," he s

o Sarah, a flicker of somet

about your mother," he said,

ed Ethan

his expression shifting

oulder. "Go on, son,

g at her, his eyes already darting to

a small, apologetic sm

chael," Sarah said, her voice flat.

re Buddy was still

Oh, Sarah, don't be so dramatic. H

er, a gesture that once felt co

g you to Napa for our anniversary. Ju

nthusiastic, but hi

ot through Sarah' s lower

ide. Her single kidney, alw

nt emotional battery,

, she overheard Mi

call, his voice

ounding. It was Jessica. And

aying, his voice clear. "I wish

e, saccharine s

I'm sure. It's just... some people ar

ent, but the malic

e, his words a fi

tly the sharpest tool in the shed. She needs m

a low, contem

er hand pressed to her

had been a

e, her devotion – it meant

not love her; h

chment sett

was a dull throb now,

t didn't mat

her mind, but they c

alread

in, sharper this ti

voice tight. "The simulated d

spond, the study door opened.