Chapter 4: The Guests Arrive
The first guests were two couples from Brandon’s office and a woman Vanessa introduced as a neighbor from the garden committee. Vanessa performed ownership with practiced ease—pointing out renovations she had not paid for, describing the backyard as “our little project,” laughing about how long it had taken to “get the house the way we wanted.” Brandon stood slightly behind her with the posture of a man who had learned not to correct the narrative in public.
My mother remained in the kitchen with a stack of serving plates, cheek still faintly marked, sleeve pulled down over the bruises. I moved between the dining room and the kitchen without being asked, refilling water glasses and adjusting the placement of dishes. Vanessa interpreted the efficiency as submission. She directed me with small flicks of her hand and once, in front of the neighbor, said, “She’s been away so long she forgets how we run things here.”
May you like
I smiled and set the water pitcher down carefully.
“I’m learning,” I said.
