For the first time in her life, my sister found herself surrounded by people she could not manipulate into rescuing her from consequences.
She looked at each face.
Our mother.
Me.
Claire.
Ben.
The bridesmaids.
The cousins.
The grandparents.
Even the waitstaff.
Finally, she looked at Mia.
Something strange flickered across her face.
For half a second, I thought she might apologize.
Instead, she whispered, “You think everybody loves you now.”
Mia’s smile vanished.
I stepped forward.
“Don’t.”
Donna ignored me.
“Enjoy it while it lasts.”
“Donna.”
She pointed at Mia’s wheelchair.
“You’ll learn.”
Claire snapped, “Out.”
Ben stepped between Donna and Mia.
My sister backed away.
Then she turned and walked through the doors.
Her heels struck the hallway floor.
Click.
Click.
Click.
Then she was gone.
The silence afterward felt different.
Not tense.
