La vida

The return was late, but Emily had already made up her mind. James was gloomily twirling spaghetti on his fork.

Dad never left us. It wasn’t how Mum made it out to be… I carried that hurt in my heart for twenty

**When Everything Falls into Place: Emily Chooses Herself** —Mum, I’ll be back late tonight.

When Everything Falls Into Place: Emily Chooses Herself “Mum, I’ll be home late tonight—it’s Lucy’s birthday.

**The Return Came Too Late: Emily Had Already Made Up Her Mind** James scowled as he twisted spaghetti

Nastya stood by the stove, flipping sizzling pasties, when her husband entered the kitchen. “

**A Daughter’s Reckoning** Dad never abandoned us. It wasn’t at all like Mum had claimed… For twenty

“Mum, I’m off to the cinema with Emily today! Keep your phone on, yeah?” called out Oliver

“Mum, I’m off to the cinema with Emily! Keep your phone handy, yeah?” called Oliver

“Mum, I’ll be home late—it’s Lena’s birthday. We’re all going to the cinema,” Tom said, kissing