It shattered against the tile, scattering porcelain across the floor. Jake froze. Helen’s voice came out sharper than she intended. “I told you to be careful, Jake! That wasn’t a toy.” Tears welled in his eyes immediately. “I didn’t mean to!” he cried, retreating behind the couch. Helen’s anger softened just as quickly. “Oh, love, come here,” she said, crouching down.
“Nana just got scared, that’s all.” But Jake stayed hidden. A car door shut outside. Lisa. By the time Helen swept the last of the shards into the bin, Lisa was already in the doorway. She took in the scene, her eyes scanning the broken vase, Jake’s tear-streaked face, Emma holding her brother’s arm. “What happened?”