“And I’m sure you're lying about having cancer just to get Erica out of this house. Isn't' that right? If she hadn’t warned us to double-check your medical report, we would’ve all fallen for your lies!”
My dad and Everett stood on either side of Erica, both concerned. My father was rubbing ointment on her hand, while Everett reassured and comforted her.
They continued their little performance, oblivious to my existence, parading around as the perfect family of four. And there I stood, like a prisoner awaiting the gallows, my voice stuck in my throat, unable to defend myself.
“What are you staring at? Do you want to harm Erica again?” Everett finally spared a moment to come to his precious sister's rescue, his tone dripping with righteous indignation. “She begged us to wait for you so we could celebrate New Year’s Eve together. But instead of coming home, you were out messing around with God-knows-who. And the moment you return, you pick a fight with Erica! How could I have a sister with such a venomous heart?”