Fallon
The fire crackled, sending sparks dancing into the night sky. The air smelled like woodsmoke and toasted marshmallows, and for a brief moment, the warmth of the flames almost made me believe this was a normal family gathering.
But nothing with my family ever stayed peaceful for long.
The seating arrangement alone was enough to set me on edge. Oliver and Elise sat off to one side, speaking in hushed tones that made it clear they had no interest in anyone else’s conversation. Bianca lounged in one of the Adirondack chairs like she owned the place, sipping her wine with a smirk that set my teeth on edge.
My parents were doing their best to keep things civil — my mom fluttering around with drinks and snacks, my dad maintaining his usual stoic silence.
And then there was Reid.
Sitt
