ONE YEAR LATER

A year had passed since the night everything fell apart.

A year since I had walked out of my parents' house and promised myself I would never spend another Christmas there.

For twelve months, I had tried to build a life without them.

Some days were easier than others.

I had gotten used to waking up without hearing Mom moving around in the kitchen. I had gotten used to not seeing Dad sitting in his favorite chair in the living room. I had even gotten used to not hearing Ruby's name come up in every family conversation.

But Christmas was different.

Christmas had a way of bringing everything back.

I was sitting on the couch in the apartment I shared with Mandy when my phone started ringing.

Mom.

I stared at her name on the screen for several seconds.

Part of me wanted to let it go to voicemail.

Another part of me knew I couldn't keep running forever.

I finally answered.

“Hi, Mom.”

There was a brief silence.

Then I heard her voice.

“Clara? It's Mom...” She sounded nervous, almost as if she wasn't sure how I would react. “We miss you so much.”

My chest tightened.

I looked down at my hands.

I missed them too.

That was the worst part.

No matter how angry I was, no matter how much they had hurt me, they were still my family.

“I miss you too,” I admitted.

Mom took a breath.

“Can you come home?” she asked. “Just for Christmas?”

I closed my eyes.

Go home.

Two simple words that suddenly felt impossible.

I could already picture the house. The Christmas tree. The dining room. The fireplace.

And Ian.

I didn't want to see him.

I didn't want to see Ruby.

I didn't want to pretend everything was fine while they played happy couple in front of everyone.

But before I could answer, Mom spoke again.

“Your dad has been sick.”

My eyes opened.

“What?”

“He's been asking for you.”

I sat up straighter.

“He only asks for you, Clara.”

My heart sank.

Dad was sick.

And he wanted to see me.

Whatever anger I had been carrying for the past year suddenly felt much harder to hold on to.

I looked toward the window, trying to make up my mind.

I knew I shouldn't go.

I knew exactly what was waiting for me there.

But I also knew I couldn't ignore my father.

“Okay, Mom...” I finally said.

My voice came out quieter than I expected.

“I'll come.”

I heard the relief in her voice.

“Thank you, sweetheart.”

We talked for another minute before saying goodbye.

When the call ended, I lowered the phone slowly.

For a few seconds, I just sat there.

I had agreed to go back.

After everything, I was actually going back.

The thought made my stomach twist.

I leaned my head against the couch and let out a long breath.

Maybe it would be okay.

Maybe I could get through one Christmas.

Maybe I could walk into that house, smile for a few hours, and leave without falling apart.

Then the front door opened.

Mandy walked into the apartment carrying two drinks.

She stopped when she saw my face.

“What happened?”

I didn't answer right away.

She set the drinks down and came over.

“Clara?”

I looked at her.

“My mom called.”

Mandy immediately understood.

“Oh no.”

“I said yes.”

Her eyes widened.

“You said yes, didn't you?” She shook her head in disbelief. “You're going back to that house?”

I nodded.

“I couldn't say no.”

Mandy sat beside me.

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

Then the thought that had been sitting in the back of my mind finally came out.

“And I know Ian will be there.”

Mandy's expression changed.

“With her,” I continued. “As the perfect couple.”

Even after a year, saying it out loud hurt.

I looked down at my drink.

“I don't know if I can do this.”

Mandy watched me for a moment.

Then she stood up.

“Okay.”

I looked at her.

“Okay?”

She grabbed her coat from the chair.

“We're not staying here spiraling.”

“Mandy...”

“Get your coat.”

I stared at her.

“Where are we going?”

She put on her coat and gave me a small, knowing smile.

“To find you a boyfriend.”

I blinked.

“A boyfriend?”

“A hot one.”

I almost laughed.

“Mandy, I don't need a boyfriend.”

She grabbed my coat and tossed it toward me.

“Not yet.”

I caught it.

“What is that supposed to mean?”

But Mandy was already heading for the door.

I looked at her, completely confused.

I had no idea what she had planned.