The driver had ignored mandatory rest periods, while the company had falsified maintenance records.
The case settled before trial, and the figure became public through court filings.
I had not celebrated.
No amount of money could return Ethan’s laugh, Lily’s missing front tooth, or Noah whispering secrets to the dog as though the animal were the only one he trusted completely.
But the money gave me something my family had never allowed me to possess.
Protection.
My father lowered his voice into the tone he used when pretending to be reasonable.
“Claire, we’re not here to fight. We’re concerned about you.”
I activated the speaker.
“You were not concerned when I stood beside three coffins.”
On the camera, my mother’s expression tightened.
“That is unfair. We were in shock.”
“You told me Melissa’s dinner reservation mattered more than my children’s funeral.”
Melissa removed her sunglasses.
Her eyes were completely dry.
“I didn’t know you’d make it into a public scandal,” she said sharply. “My friends are sending me articles. Brandon’s parents saw it. Do you have any idea how humiliating this is before my wedding?”
Behind me, three urns rested on the mantel.
I looked at them before returning my attention to the camera.
“I’m not punishing anyone,” I said. “I’m just done pretending you didn’t choose.”
Before my father could decide whether to continue shouting, Aunt Ruth’s blue Subaru pulled into the driveway behind their car and blocked them in.
She climbed out wearing jeans and a heavy navy coat, carrying the expression of a woman who had spent sixty-two years being underestimated and had finally had enough.
CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE.
