Two weeks ago, we had agreed to visit my mother's grave today. When she was alive, she had doted on Justin, treating him like her own flesh and blood. Every year, I brought him along to pay respects.
He went to the factory specifically to swap cars, bringing back the largest SUV for the trip.
As we approached the vehicle, Brooklyn moved with practiced speed, sliding into the front passenger seat before I could reach the door.
Justin looked at me, an apologetic grimace on his face. "Ava... she's suffered a lot and doesn't know the rules. She gets carsick. Don't hold it against her."
I shook my head, opening the rear door. "It's just a seat. Not important."
Just like him. In my heart, Justin had long ceased to be important.
After dropping Carter and Tommy at school, Justin drove us toward the cemetery. The silence was suffocating.
Just as the cemetery gates came into view, Brooklyn gasped. She clutched her chest, face contorting.
"It hurts..." she whimpered. "My chest..."
Justin slammed on the brakes, the car screeching to a halt on the shoulder. "What is it? Can you hold on?"
Tears spilled from Brooklyn's eyes. She bit her lip, trembling as if fighting a great battle. "I... I can try."