Chapter 23
The next few days fly by, but before it’s time for our families to leave later that afternoon, we all exchange gifts by the Christmas tree in the living room over breakfast and small talk.
By noon, Phillip and I stand out in the front yard, packing up his parents’ Mercedes. There are a few tense moments between Philip and his parents. I watch as they hug each other without any pleasantries. Jim lets go of his son and meanders to the car; he waves with his back to us, and climbs behind the wheel. Barbara embraces Philip and pecks his cheek, leaving a red lipstick smudge behind. She says goodbye to my parents and me and slinks into the passenger seat.
Jim and Barbara Erickson wave to us one last time before they slip out of the yard and down the narrow road to the main artery.
