After I hung up, I sat on my couch with my hands shaking slightly, surprised by how hard it was to say no even when no was right.
Daniel sat beside me and took my hand. “That was good,” he said.
“It felt awful,” I admitted.
“Good boundaries often do,” he replied. “Especially the first time.”
Clare called later that night.
“I heard about the dinner thing,” she said quietly. “Mom told me.”
I waited, bracing myself.
“I’m glad you said no,” Clare continued, and her voice sounded stronger than it had at the wedding. “Because I didn’t want you there like… bait. And I don’t want Daniel there like a trophy.”
My throat tightened. “Are you okay?” I asked.
Clare sighed. “Ethan’s parents are… intense,” she admitted. “They keep talking about connections like they’re currency. And Ethan… he’s used to it. He doesn’t always see when it’s gross.”
“What do you want?” I asked her.
“I want my sister,” Clare said simply. “Not for photos. Not for image. Just… for real.”
I leaned back, eyes closing. “Then we’re going to have to build something new,” I said. “All of us.”
Clare’s voice softened. “Will you help me?”
“Yes,” I said, and meant it.
The wedding had forced my family to see me.