“Dad always did know how to build things.”
“Yes.”
A silence settled between us.
Then Jared said, “Vanessa thinks you’re angry with us.”
I looked at him.
“I’m not angry because I inherited a cabin.”
“I know.”
“I’m angry because you watched your wife throw me out.”
His eyes dropped.
“She didn’t mean it the way you took it.”
I felt a familiar exhaustion rising.
“How exactly should I have taken ‘pack tonight’?”
He rubbed his forehead.
“Mom, things have been stressful.”
“Your father died, Jared.”
“I know.”
“Your father.
The man who raised you.”
His jaw tightened.
“You think I don’t miss him?”
I softened.
“I know you do.”
“Then stop acting like I’m some monster.”
“I never called you a monster.”
“No.
You just look at me like I’m a disappointment.”
I wanted to reach across the table and take his hand.
