Chapter 4 - THE DINNER PARTIES
Evelyn loved entertaining.
What she did not love was cleaning up afterward.
Once she began staying at the condo, she invited two friends for lunch.
Then four.
Then six.
Each gathering came with the same explanation.
“You need adult company.”
Maya did not want adult company.
She wanted quiet.
She wanted her hand to heal.
She wanted Chloe to stop asking why Grandma made her ask permission before taking crackers.
The guests treated Evelyn as hostess.
Not Maya.
They complimented the view.
The marble counters.
The dining room.
The balcony garden Maya had spent three summers building.
Evelyn accepted every compliment.
“My son has done very well.”
Nobody mentioned Maya’s consulting income had helped pay the down payment.
Nobody asked why the actual homeowner was clearing wineglasses while everyone else sat.
The first time Evelyn told Chloe to help with dishes, Maya stopped her.
“She’s five.”
“She can rinse a spoon.”
The next day it became plastic cups.
Then bowls.
Then plates.
Evelyn called it responsibility.
Maya called it enough.
They argued.
Evelyn lowered her voice.
“You know what Alex told me?”
Maya went still.
“He worries Chloe is learning your habits.”
“What habits?”
“Helplessness.”
Alex had never said that.
But Maya did not know.
That lie did more damage than shouting would have.
She began trying harder.
Cleaning more.
Apologizing more.
The bandage became wet.
The cut reopened slightly.
May you like
Evelyn saw blood on the gauze and told her:
“Stop being dramatic.”
