My Parents Doubled My Rent So My Unemployed Sister Could Move In, So I Moved Out and Took Everything

after decades of marriage. Even after life had dulled the edges of romance into something quieter and sturdier.

The empty chairs behind me pulled at my attention, like a hand tugging my sleeve.

Twenty-four seats. Polished oak. Deep burgundy cushions. Neatly arranged, waiting.

Not a single body filled them.

I had expected, foolishly, that the absence might continue reading …