We made it.
Maybe after everything, we had actually made it.
Then dessert came.
My mother looked around the table and became emotional.
“I haven’t seen this house this happy in years.”
She turned toward Claire.
“I know nobody could ever replace Sarah.”
Claire immediately nodded.
“And nobody should.”
Mom reached across the table and touched her hand.
“But I’m grateful someone kind is here taking care of Paxton and Ari.”
She smiled.
“I think Sarah would finally be at peace knowing they have you.”
The room went quiet.
Warm quiet.
The kind that usually comes before someone cries.
Then Ari’s chair scraped backward.
She stood.
Her tiny finger pointed directly at Claire.
“She’s a monster!”
Everything stopped.
My sister froze with her fork halfway to her mouth.
Dad stared.
Mom covered her lips.
Claire’s face went completely still.
I forced a nervous laugh.
“Ari, sweetheart…”
She didn’t move.
“Why would you call Claire that?”
Her eyes filled with tears.
“Because when I love Claire…”
She looked toward Sarah’s photograph.
“…Mommy disappears.”
My chest tightened.
“What do you mean?”
Ari twisted her dress in both fists.
“When Claire brushes my hair, I forget Mommy doing it.”
I swallowed hard.
Ari’s voice cracked.
“When Claire hugs me, I can’t remember what Mommy’s hugs felt like.”
My mother covered her mouth.
Claire’s eyes immediately filled.
