The cardboard boxes stacked in the corner of the guest room felt like a temporary wall between Cathy and the rest of the house. She sat on the edge of the mattress, her hands resting on her knees, listening to the muffled sounds of laughter and clinking silverware coming from downstairs. Her mother had married David three weeks ago, but today was the first day Cathy was officially living under this roof.
She smoothed the fabric of her jeans, took a deep breath, and stood up. The hallway was wide, floorboards polished to a mirror shine, leading toward a staircase that felt too grand for her. As she descended, the smell of roasted garlic and expensive wine grew stronger.
In the kitchen, her mother was leaning against the marble island, a glass of red wine in her hand. David stood beside he
