Sunday arrived faster than Erin expected, and with it came the dread that clung to her chest. She had been anxiously waiting for her father and Will, pacing the hall and peeking out the window every few minutes. She tried to help Melinda with setting up the dining table, though her hands were restless.
This time, she did not cook. The thought of preparing food for the evening weighed heavily on her, and she admitted to herself that she no longer had the energy to pretend. Melinda had prepared everything instead, and Erin allowed it without protest. The entire tradition of family dinner felt hollow. She was not excited. She no longer cared to try.
When she finally heard the faint hum of an engine outside, Erin froze. Her heart leapt painfully inside her chest, beating far too fast for her
