"Morning," Mom said, her tone so casual I felt ignored.
Charlie didn't say anything. He just gave me a cold glance before turning away as if my presence had ruined the atmosphere.
I lingered at the edge of the room. But my stomach grumbled; I hadn't eaten anything since last night.
The grumbling felt like a storm was brewing inside me, making breathing hard as I stepped forward.
"That's… my seat," I said quietly, my voice barely making it past the lump in my throat.
Ginny stared up at me with those huge, watery eyes like I'd just yelled at her or something. She shrank back, clutching her spoon like it would save her.
Charlie quickly straightened up, his expression hardening. "She's sitting here. Let her stay."
I swallowed, feeling the room close in around me. "But… that's always been my seat…"
Ginny flinched. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—I'll move." She tried to stand, but her foot caught on the chair leg, sending her crashing to the floor.
"Ginny!" Mom shot out of her chair, rushing to pick her up.
And then Mom turned to me, her eyes full of blame. "Betty, what's the matter with you? It's just a chair! Does it really matter where you sit?"