“Next time, just cook for everyone yourself,” Nathan said sharply. “Sabrina shouldn’t be lifting a finger in her condition. Have some care for her! You guys are best friends, and we’re family here.”
Family? I wanted to vomit at the thought. I started, but the words withered before they reached them. What would be the sense of explaining when they wouldn’t listen to me at all?
“She shouldn’t have to want anything. Just take care of it,” Gabriel cut in. “You’re the one who’s fine now, right? So act like it. Cook for us! We want to eat something decent.”
They took Sabrina—still sniffling—into her room. Nathan had his arm around her like she was made of glass. Gabriel followed, saying something about getting her some ice.
And once again, they left me.
Alone. I stood by the stove, the soup long gone cold. I reheated it without thinking, added some salt, cracked an egg into the pot. My body moved automatically, stirring, ladling, pouring the food into a bowl with practiced care.
But this time… I didn’t cook for everyone. Why would I? They didn’t even want me with them in Finland. They don’t deserve me, not even once, so everything I do now is for myself.
Just for me.