partment felt like

san were waiting for me. They sat o

controlled anger. "Sarah, your mother i

happened at your office. Honestly, Sarah, creating such a pu

mily," Uncle Frank added, his jowls quivering. "You need

had clearly fed them her version of events, where she was th

eeping my voice even. "But her actions

out?" Aunt Susan sniffed. "Family is what

need to apologize to her. Smooth

meant. So he wouldn' t have to

Arguing was pointless. They wouldn

script I

ded to pla

slump. I conjured

t and contrite. "I wasn't thinking a

ged satisfi

her," I said. "

oo overwrought to go home. She was lying

"Oh, Sarah. I just don't unders

was weak,

e bed. I took her hand.

h fake sincerity as I could mus

widened

d. "I'm sorry for being difficult. I should

played on her lips. It w

"I knew you'd understand. I only want wh

e had me back

ory" was exactly what I needed

e nothing. But it