My Family Toasted

with anything,” I said. “I’m coming back.”

Then I picked up my coat from the back of the chair.

Mom stood quickly. “Mara, don’t leave.”

I looked at the candles, the turkey, the untouched pies, the perfect napkins folded like little fans beside plates full of resentment.

“I already did,” I said.

And this time, when I walked out of my parents’ house, no security continue reading …