our apartment was deafening. Sa

father, unknown to Sarah, had as

family friend; he was a senio

have all the records of payment," I t

t, Ethan," Mr. Thompson said, his voice calm and reassurin

se that was suppose

the apartment, filled with

ks we' d read, the worn spot o

just of money, but of trust,

ecision settled on

spare room, her eyes

kled with un

er arms crossed,

etched, taut an

o, you're really going through with thi

turning to face her. "It's about respect. It's

r voice rising. "Michael is my brother's chil

illain, to gaslight me into bel

ed was not support, Sarah. It was

scoffed. "It'

s? What about our

d no a

ting like ash. "I can't build a life with someone

do this, Ethan! After seven

repeated, the finality of i

hock and disbelief

l regret this, Ethan. You'r

g was alr