I opened the bag filled with wedding decorations and walked to the drawer in the hallway, rummaging through its clutter for some tape. The soft creak of the drawer echoed as I sifted through old receipts, a forgotten pair of scissors and an assortment of pens before finally finding the roll of tape.
As I turned back to the living room, I spoke casually, my voice light but tinged with guilt. “I’ve already been a burden to you for eight years. Now that I’m an adult, I feel bad staying here.”
The words lingered in the air like a sour note. Tom, who had been gently wiping the leaves of a tall ficus plant, froze mid-motion. Sarah, who was rearranging freshly washed plates on the dining table, looked up sharply. Both their faces fell, their expressions clouded with concern.
“Bianca,” Sarah began, her voice soft but firm. She stepped closer, wiping her hands on her apron. “We’re family. What burden? You’re like our own daughter. Taking care of you is what we’re supposed to do. Don’t overthink it and don’t say things like this again, or Tom and I will be sad.”
Tom set down his cleaning cloth and walked over, his gaze warm yet resolute. “That’s right. You’re part of this family and you always will be.”
The word “family” echoed in my mind like a haunting refrain. I forced a smile, nodding in agreement, but my throat tightened, making it impossible to respond. Turning back to the decorations, I began sorting through the colorful assortment of balloons and streamers.
***
The entire house seemed to hum with the joyful anticipation of David and Anne’s wedding. The faint scent of lavender cleaner mingled with the rich aroma of simmering broth.
Sarah, her cheeks flushed, flitted between the kitchen and the dining room, her apron dusted with flour. Meanwhile, Tom, ever the perfectionist, meticulously tended to the potted plants, his brow furrowed in concentration.
Their happiness was infectious, filling the space with warmth that tugged at my heartstrings. For a moment, I allowed myself to revel in it, the kind of familial love I thought I’d lost forever after my parents passed away.
But the sweetness of the moment carried a bitter aftertaste. 'What a wonderful family,' I thought, my fingers tightening around the roll of tape. 'And what a pity.'
***
I snapped out of my thoughts and began attaching the decorations. Carefully, I stuck tape onto the corners of a colorful "Congratulations" banner and stepped onto a chair to affix it above the window. The task gave me something to focus on, something to ground me amidst the swirling emotions.
Just as I finished placing the first decoration, Sarah hurried out of the kitchen, her phone pressed to her ear. “Hello, Anne? You’re downstairs? Did you buy a lot for the wedding? Don’t let David carry too much—I’ll send your dad to help!”
She ended the call with a bright laugh and called out to Tom. “Tom, go downstairs and help them. They’ve brought a ton of stuff.”
Tom nodded, setting down his cleaning cloth. “On it,” he said cheerfully, heading out the door.
***
By the time David and Anne arrived, I had just finished decorating the last window. I stepped down from the chair and turned to see my brother surveying the room, his lips curling into an approving smile.
“This family is lucky to have such a hardworking daughter,” he teased, walking over to me. “Not bad! I’m going to reward you today. Come on, guess what it is.”
I rolled my eyes playfully, trying to match his lighthearted energy. “A new Apple phone!”
David burst into laughter, reaching into his bag and pulling out a sleek new phone. He handed it to me with a grin, then ruffled my hair roughly. “Hey, where did you get so smart, huh? Did Tom and Sarah give you a secret potion or something?”
Lowering my gaze, I hid the swirl of emotions threatening to surface. “Smart? Must be genetic,” I murmured, my voice barely audible.
Anne was the last to step inside, her makeup flawlessly done, enhancing her delicate features. Standing beside my brother, they looked like a perfect match, radiating happiness. She gave me a warm smile and beckoned me to follow her into a side room.
Inside, Anne pulled out a luxurious La Mer skincare set, placing it on the small table between us. “You’re all grown up now,” she said with a wink. “It’s time you start taking care of your skin. Consider this a gift from your sister-in-law.”
The gesture caught me off guard. I stared at the set, my vision blurring as tears welled up in my eyes. Without thinking, I threw my arms around Anne, hugging her tightly. “Thank you,” I choked out, my voice thick with emotion.
Anne stroked my hair gently, her voice soft and soothing. “You’re welcome, Bianca. Just remember, you’re family now. Always.”
She left the room after a few more gentle reminders, her figure disappearing down the hall.
I stood there for a long moment, staring at the unopened skincare set. Slowly, I walked into the bathroom and set it down on the counter. My reflection in the mirror caught my attention—sunken cheeks, hollow eyes, a face that looked far older than its eighteen years.
Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out a small bottle of pills. The cap clicked open with a quiet pop and I shook two into my hand. Swallowing them dry, I closed my eyes, feeling the bitter aftertaste coat my throat.
***
“Bianca! Come eat!” Sarah’s voice rang out from the dining room, warm and cheerful. “I made sweet and sour ribs, your favorite!”
I took a deep breath, tucking the pill bottle back into my pocket. When I stepped out of the bathroom, the dining table was already set, laden with dishes.
Everyone was seated, their faces glowing with happiness as they chatted and laughed. The warmth of their joy enveloped the room, but to me, it felt like an oppressive weight pressing down on my chest. I slid into my seat, forcing a smile as the meal began.
