The Sterling family could own the estate, the silverware, the ice sculptures, and the corporate logos.

They could buy flowers flown in from another continent.

They could arrange three hundred guests according to influence.

None of that gave them the right to decide the worth of my parents.

And no amount of money could make Ethan’s silence into loyalty.

After dinner, Arthur walked Martha to their sedan.

I followed.

The old engine started with its familiar cough.