20
Janet went to jail.
Three years. Reckless endangerment. No casualties. A slap on the wrist.
My words to my dad came half true.
A month after Janet went to prison, he had a
heart attack.
Serious, they said.
I didn’t know the details.
L
I didn’t go.
I’d said we were done. I meant it.
Ethan, Michael, and I lived together.
Surprisingly peaceful.
Ethan was getting treatment.
Groceries were delivered daily. Michael,
distrul of others‘ cooking, became our
chef.
He was a good cook.
Ethan and I both gained weight.
L
Ethan and Michael actually got along.
Michael was endlessly patient. Even when
Ethan had his moments, he just smiled and
made him honey water.
Ethan’s rough edges softened around
Michael.
Like punching a pillow, Ethan said. A pillow filled with honey. Impossible to stay angry.
Ethan’s mom called constantly.
She even came over once, with Veronica in
tow.
Г
Ethan didn’t let them in. He leaned against
the doorframe, blocking the entrance.
“Go home, Mom. You know me.”
“When you did that to Olivia, you lost me. I’m
not coming back.”
His mother’s eyes were red. “Ethan, you’re
abandoning your family for a woman?”
Ethan rolled his eyes. “You have my brother.
He’s perfect. He’ll be everything you want.”
“And…” his voice hardened, “Don’t twist this.
I’m not abandoning you for Olivia. You
<
me like a toy. I can’t have anything you don’t
approve of.”
“Things. People.”
He glanced at Veronica, who was hovering
nervously. “Last time, I’ll give you the benefit
of the doubt. You were dragged here. But this
time? Do I really have to spell it out for you?”
“My mother’s approval means nothing. No one
controls my life.”
“Go home. If you like the house so much, marry my dad. If Janet doesn’t mind.”
He slammed the door.
They were left staring at each other.
I expected a screaming match from his
mother, but there was silence.
Ethan came over, resting his head on my
shoulder, like a giant puppy.
“How did I do?”
I didn’t answer.
He nuzzled my shoulder, demanding praise.
I laughed.
く
I looked up.
Michael was standing in the doorway to the
balcony, holding laundry.
He smiled. “These aren’t dry yet.” He went back out, closing the door behind him.
