“Gabe, you’re the one who needed to reach out. Mom and Dad have always been willing to take you back. You only had to go to therapy, not China.”

Gabriel focused on the tablecloth, where the silverware shone brightly and the water was as crystal pure as the air. He wondered what would happen if he knocked the glass over. Would his brother be able to move fast enough before it ruined his suit? The waiter placed a hot cup of jasmine tea in front of his brother along with the baijiu before retreating to leave the men alone.

“Listen, Mom had a nervous breakdown last month, she’s been in the hospital, they’re afraid she’s suicidal. Dad needs your help, and I can’t move from Miami with the kids and Trish. I talked to Dad, he’s willing to make room for you at the Indy branch, said if you prove yourself with a starting-level position there’s room for promotion. Plus, they have that apartment they never use. I know you’re not interested in the business, but look at me, I’m living a good life while you’re struggling to breathe. Come home and stay there until you get on your feet. Seriously, it sounds like you’re living a nightmare. Are you even still with that guy?”

“No.”

“See, you might as well come back to Indiana. All you have to do is lie. Tell Mom and Dad you’ve changed. Mom needs to hear that. You know you’re hurting her, right?”

“Hurting her? She locked me out in a blizzard. You held my face in a snowbank and nearly killed me. I could’ve died and she—”

“Fuck.” His brother let out a long, slow whistle and unclasped his hands. He rested his fists on the white linen. “You’re still going to hold on to that? Even though Mom’s a wreck?”

Gabriel was silent. Around the dining room, the other guests seemed happy. A twentysomething-year-old girl picked at the roast duck on her plate and dipped it in hoisin sauce as she scrolled through her phone. There was the sound of people laughing at a far table, the rattle of waiters clearing dishes, and above it all, a Chinese harp version of “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.”

His brother took a long breath and let his fists unclench. “Listen,” he said. “The doctors have recommended Mom patch. Pastor Dan agrees, says it’s the only way to move forward.”

“Fine, let Mom patch.”