Chapter 21: Sister-in-law

The squeak of bicycle wheels echoed faintly from the street outside, mixing with the shrieks of two children tumbling through Elena Rossi’s modest living room.

“Careful!” Elena’s voice rose for the third time, though she knew it was useless. The boys—six and nine—were a whirlwind of toy cars, sticky fingers, half-shouted arguments and snotty cries.

Their mother lounged on the sofa, scrolling her phone, not lifting a finger. “They’re just playing,” she said breezily. "It's what kids their age do. Have your own and you'll understand."

Elena forced a smile, though her hands tightened on the tea tray she was carrying.

Of course. Her sister-in-law always had reasons to drop her children here to 'keep her company'. And it was always a problem if she reprimanded them even a little bit.

And as if that weren’t enough, Elena’s mother-in-law sat primly in the armchair by the window, eyes sharp, judging every speck of dust, every crease in Elena’s blouse.

“This house feels smaller every time I v