The explanation was simple.
“There wasn’t enough space.”
But Kate knew the truth was much heavier than a missing chair or a full table. Her parents lived in a home that had always represented family. It was the house her grandmother had given them so there would always be a place where relatives could gather, share meals, and celebrate holidays together.
Somehow, that same house had become the place where Emma was told to leave.
Kate kept her anger under control while she listened. She asked Emma why she had not called. Emma explained that her phone had died. She had asked to use the house phone, but her grandmother refused, saying it would only make things harder.
Then came the detail Kate could barely process.
Her father had told Emma to walk home because it was not far.
Twenty minutes.
