And then came Christmas.
It all started two weeks before the big day. Jake and I were sneaking around the upstairs hallway, hoping to find Mom’s hiding spot for presents. Instead, we found something else—something that made our stomachs twist.
Dad was on the phone with Uncle Ray, his brother. He didn’t know we were within earshot, but his voice carried clearly through the door.
“What should we get Melissa?” he asked, laughing. “Honestly, just kitchen stuff. Blenders, spatulas, whatever might help her finally learn how to cook. She’s so lazy in there.”
I stopped in my tracks.
“Lazy?” Jake whispered. His eyes were wide. “Did he seriously just say that?”
