per. I stared at my father, the man who was supposed

looking at me, instead picking up the remote to

putation! What did you even tell them?" My voice

e a cage. "Now, now. It' s for the family. Your Uncle Rick has nobody else. And his royalties...

"you included" was an afterthought, a quick

said, pulling away from her t

is. Maybe if I explained, they would understand. My fingers fle

father was mistaken. I am in perfect health and there is no family

send, my heart pounding wit

ing a reply to appear. Minut

ication popped

company policies, our decision is final. The position has already been

na

in my face and locked. Tears I hadn' t even realized were building fin

umphant edge. "It' s all for the best. Fate has decided for

thicker than water. Her words were a stream of empty platitudes, the kind of things people say when

table sofa, the worn rug-it all suddenly seemed like a movie set. A facade. My entire life, my happy childhood, the belief that

e nature. The pride they showed at my graduation, the encouragement they g

spiraling thoughts. He gestured toward a suitcase by the door. "You' l

dinner was ready. The decision was made. My r

ther added, smiling. "Your path is set. Just d

t sabotaging my career; they were hijacking my entire