I thought we had finally found stability.
Our aunt breezed in wearing too much perfume and a smile that never reached her eyes.
She handed Lucas a small envelope and kissed the air near his cheek.
"Eighteen years old," she cooed. "A real man now."
Lucas mumbled a thank you and took her coat.
I forced a polite smile and led her to the dining table where our more distant relatives and friends were already seated.
None of us knew that simple birthday dinner would turn explosive.
Our aunt breezed in
Dinner started pleasantly enough.
Then, halfway through dessert, our aunt tapped her wine glass with a fork.
"I think this is the perfect moment to discuss something important," she announced. "Something practical. Something the adults in this family should have addressed a long time ago."
I felt my shoulders stiffen.
"Auntie, please, not tonight," I said quietly.
"This is the perfect moment to discuss something important,"
