Every detail felt fragile, like glass that might shatter in her hands. At dinner, Emily talked more and more about the test. “What if I find out I’m part Italian? Or maybe there’s something wild in my family tree, like royalty. Wouldn’t that be crazy?” Her eyes sparkled, alive with curiosity.
Each word cut deeper. To Clara, it sounded like Emily was searching for something she hadn’t been enough to give. Her daughter’s excitement felt like an insult, even if she knew that wasn’t fair. She forced her lips into a smile, nodding along as though she shared the wonder. Inside, her chest burned.