Chapter 14
Audrey struggled after Elise returned.
Everyone focused on the missing daughter.
Few noticed the daughter who had stayed.
She finally exploded at dinner.
“You both act like I didn’t spend four months raising Nora.”
Elise went still.
So did I.
Audrey continued.
“I was terrified every day.”
Her eyes filled.
“Every time Nora asked for Mommy, I had to answer without knowing whether you were dead.”
Elise cried.
“I’m sorry.”
“I know why you hid.”
Audrey shook her head.
“That doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt me.”
Both truths.
Again.
Elise had reasons.
Audrey had consequences.
No villain needed.
I had spent years understanding conflict only when someone was clearly wrong.
Family taught harder lessons.
Elise moved beside her sister.
Did not touch until Audrey reached first.
They hugged.
I looked away.
Some things are not for the boss.
Later Audrey confronted me too.
“You treated me like temporary childcare.”
I frowned.
“I never—”
She raised one eyebrow.
I stopped.
Maybe I did.
Not intentionally.
Every conversation became:
How’s Nora?
Any news?
Did Elise ever tell you?
I rarely asked Audrey how she was.
“You’re right.”
She looked surprised.
“Don’t make it weird.”
I laughed.
Then I apologized.
Specific.
No defense.
Audrey accepted.
The next week she took a vacation.
Alone.
No Nora.
No Elise.
No father.
She sent one photograph from Miami.
A drink.
Ocean.
Her shoes.
No people.
I replied:
Good.
She replied:
May you like
Stop checking on me.
Fair.
