“Is Ethan safe?”
“Yes, he’s safe.”
“Do you have enough money to feed him and get him home?”
A pause.
“Yes.”
“Then come home tomorrow.”
Chloe’s voice sharpened.
“Why? So Maya can sit there looking fragile while you accuse us of things?”
“She’s in the hospital.”
Silence.
“What?”
“She has an infection. Her incision reopened.”
“That’s not our fault.”
I closed my eyes.
I had hoped for surprise. Concern. Regret.
Anything.
“What happened to the money I sent?”
“Ask Mom.”
“I’m asking you.”
“We thought the trip would be good for everyone.”
“Everyone?”
“For the family.”
“My wife and son are my family.”
“You know what I mean.”
“No,” I said. “I don’t think I do anymore.”
My mother took the phone back.
“This is exactly what Maya wanted.”
“Maya wanted to be left alone after surgery with no food?”
