Mom bustled out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. Her smile reached her eyes. "I'm so glad you're here. I made all your favorites today."
Tears stung my eyes again. For a moment, it felt real. Like the family I had always wanted.
Before I could settle in, Lily grabbed my arm. "Come with me. I have something for you."
She dragged me into the bedroom and produced an exquisite gift box. Inside lay a stunning red coat.
Sharp tailoring. Soft as butter—cashmere, likely. One look told me it was expensive. The kind of luxury I'd glance at in store windows but never dare to touch.
For over twenty years, Lily Cox had never given me anything but headaches. Now she was handing me a fortune in fabric.
"Try it on," she urged, eyes gleaming with an emotion I couldn't place.
Lily didn't wait for my answer.
"Hurry up and try it on. I brought this specifically for you!"
I wanted to refuse, but she'd already draped the heavy wool coat over my shoulders.
"We're real sisters, Savannah. No need to be so polite."
I stood there, uncertain. "It's just New Year's Eve dinner. There's really no need..."
But my body betrayed me. It craved this brief, illusory warmth. In the end, I let her.