I wanted to walk in and confront them immediately, but anger would have given them control over my reaction. So instead, I stepped back quietly and made my way into the kitchen, turning on the faucet as if I had just arrived and needed water.
I steadied my breathing, forced my expression into calm, and walked into the dining room as if nothing had happened.
They all looked up at once, and Judy stood quickly with a sympathetic expression. “Oh, sweetheart, how are you holding up today?”
“I am trying,” I said softly, allowing my voice to sound tired and fragile.
Mason gestured toward a chair and said, “You should sit down because we have been worried about you.”
Naomi reached out and squeezed my hand gently. “We are here to support you, just like always.”
I sat down and watched them carefully as they slipped into their roles of comfort with practiced ease.
Mason leaned forward and said, “We need to discuss the estate, because you should not handle this alone.”
Judy nodded and added, “You are grieving, so let us manage the complicated matters for you.”