I knew their calls to “come for dinner” were never about genuine family bonding. It was about what Richard and I could bring them.
And Richard always insisted we go, using Ethan as an excuse.
His blind devotion to his parents was known across the neighborhood—everyone praised him for it.
At dinner, they laughed and joked while I sat silently by Ethan’s side, sullen and heavy-hearted.
Mrs. Miller Sr. noticed my mood and asked what was wrong.
I glanced at Richard, who glared back at me with wide eyes.
I shook my head and lied, “Nothing.”
But she pressed me, promising,
“Don’t worry, Anna, you can tell us. Your father-in-law and I will make it right.”
She patted Richard’s arm suspiciously.
“Is Richard bullying you?”
Richard’s face hardened, and he shot me a sharp look.
“You always stir up trouble.”
“My mom asked you a question—answer her! And don’t you dare accuse me falsely.”
I gathered my courage.
“It’s not Richard. It’s my brother. He went missing on the glacier.”
“What?” Mrs. Miller Sr. gasped, her face turning pale.
“You mean David?”
I opened my mouth to say “yes,” but before I could, Richard cut me off.
“No, not David. It’s her brother, Mark Green.”