“I’m not the only kid who chose a different career than their parents wanted,” I say softly. We’re talking and the last thing I want is for Mom to come outside and end the conversation. “Why does it have to be all or nothing?”

Dad sighs. “Hana moved heaven and earth to adopt you. She’s never been good at showing emotion, you know that, but still waters run deep. She loves fiercely, and I’m not saying this is her best attribute, but when trust and loyalty are broken, she judges fiercely, too, doesn’t forgive. She’s always been that way.”

“It’s not fair.”

“Life isn’t fair, Syl. You turned your back not only on us but also on a legacy that our parents and their parents fought for; that Hana and I cherish.” He shakes his head. “Maybe, if we believed in what you’d chosen, but we don’t.”

“So you agree with her that I’m some kind of sinner?”

“It’s not about religion, at least not for me. You know I wasn’t big on church.” He falters, rubs his chest. “The path you’ve taken? It’s dishonest and immoral, if not illegal. You lie to folks for money. Your mom and I didn’t raise you that way and we’re ashamed of you.”

Bow hunters sometimes wound their prey and have to follow a blood trail to finish the job. The animal suffers for hours, sometimes days. At least this was a clean shot. Mouth dry, I ask, “What about the letter Thomas showed you?”

He starts to reach for my hand but then drops his onto his lap. “Head inside now. I’ll be gone when you get up. It was good to see you, Sylvie. But don’t come back.”

The acid in my belly climbs up my throat, blocked only by the massive knot wedged there. “Okay,” I manage.

“Sylvie?”

I stop at the door. Hope limps forward. “Yes?”

“Don’t dig up the past. There’s nothing good there. Focus on the future.”

Dad’s shoulders are hunched, hands knotted. He looks so much smaller than I remember. “Bye, Dad.” Moose has reappeared and follows me inside.

I climb the stairs, one hand pressed to my tender gut. Up until now, steadily eating Tums has been enough to suppress the acid, but I don’t think even a whole roll would help put out this heat. Lucas has been on me to see a doctor, but I haven’t made an appointment. My second therapist said that when people don’t face issues, mend friendships, alleviate doubts, their body reacts and even attacks. She pointed out that some people embrace the pain as if it’s deserved. When I told him, Lucas found a new therapist for me.

Right now, I need medication stronger than Tums. My folks might have something in their medicine cabinet. When I reach the narrow wooden steps leading to their bedroom, I pause. Downstairs they’re talking, too low to hear. Dad is telling Mom he’s told me to leave tomorrow and never come back. Mom agrees. I don’t know why I thought he might want me home. Not outwardly welcome me but, before the door slammed, show me that I was unconditionally loved, maybe agree to talk on the phone when Mom wasn’t around. Sometimes I’m an idiot.