"Did it ever occur to you that we might need it? What if one of us gets seriously ill? What if there's an emergency? That money is our safety net."
My mother-in-law spat twice in disgust.
"It's New Year's Eve! Why are you saying such unlucky things?"
My sister-in-law crossed her arms. "Let's call it what it is—you're just selfish."
"Yes. I'm selfish."
I nodded.
"And selfish people don't belong at this table. So I'll see myself out."
I held my daughter tight and walked out without looking back.
Behind me, all hell broke loose.
My mother-in-law's shrill voice cut through the chaos, sharp as broken glass.
"Walk out that door, and don't you dare come back!"
I didn't turn around.
In the elevator, Rosemary tugged at my sleeve, her voice small.
"Mommy, why aren't we eating dinner?"
"Because they wanted Mommy to be their fool."
"What's a fool?"
I smoothed her hair, my jaw tight. "Someone who gets robbed and then says thank you."
I hailed a cab and headed straight for my parents' place in the Eastside District.
My phone buzzed the entire ride. Abner's name flashed on the screen, message after message.
Where did you go? Come back.