I let out a dry laugh. "But I know it wasn't you. My brother would never lie to me, right?"
Guilt flickered in his gaze before he looked away. "Of course not. You're my only family, Hazel. I would never deceive you."
I swallowed the burning lump in my throat, forcing back the tears. Without another word, I wheeled him to his room.
Later, while I was cooking, I heard his hushed voice drifting from the bedroom.
"Just listen to me. Be a good girl. I've prepared the biggest birthday gala for you. Tomorrow, I'll celebrate with you personally."
Valerie's voice crackled through the speaker, feigning concern. "But isn't tomorrow Hazel's birthday too? Won't she be upset if you're with me?"
"Silly girl, you are the only sister I treasure. Your happiness is all that matters. Hazel hasn't celebrated a birthday in five years. She's used to it. One more missed year won't kill her."
"I knew you loved me best!"
I stood frozen in the hallway. Finally, I untied my apron, dropped it on the counter, and walked out.
When Jonathan emerged, I was gone.
On the table sat a bowl of noodles, boiled to mush for easy swallowing, and a single expensive imported pill.
He knew I had the night shift.