“This was the oyster the nurse made for me to help digestion.I brought it because you asked me to hurry up and get food for everyone while I was at lunch.But I feel like I’ve made a mistake coming here—”
“Mia!”I stood up quickly without eating,and Xavier followed me outside cautiously.
“Mia,Mom didn’t mean it like that.Come back with me right now!”
“To tell you the truth,Xavier,my parents are very much alive.If I had listened to them at the start,I would never have chosen such a place where I’m never welcomed.”
Xavier held my shoulders,shaking his head as if I were inventing excuses to comfort myself.“Mia,let it go this once.You must be a good daughter-in-law and wife.”
“Xavier!Vanessa is having trouble breathing,you must come quickly.”Our conversation was cut short by Colin,who hesitated as he looked between us.
“Mia,come inside—it’s going to pour.I must help Vanessa;for now,please wait.”He looked at me like I was a stranger,hesitated for a moment,then squeezed my hand before rushing to Vanessa’s aid.