“You’ll lose everything, and you won’t have me to help you put it back together.”

“I have already lost the most important thing,” I said, looking at the empty chair at the head of the table.

“The rest of this is just wood and stone.”

“But I will not let you destroy his legacy out of spite,” I added.

David turned away, his boots heavy as he took two steps toward the hallway.

But before he could reach the door, Rachel stepped forward.

Her face was pale, her knuckles white as she gripped the back of a chair.

“Stop it, David,” Rachel said, her voice suddenly loud and sharp.

David paused, not turning around.

“Go home, Rachel,” he said.

“No,” Rachel said, her voice shaking but gaining strength.

“I am not going home, and I am not letting you lie to Mom anymore.”

David turned slowly, his eyes narrowing at his sister.

“Be quiet,” he warned.

“I won’t be quiet,” Rachel said, stepping closer to me.

She reached out and took my hand; her fingers were ice cold.

“Mom,” Rachel said, looking directly into my eyes.