The anniversary dinner was supposed to be calm, polite, predictable — until Vanessa shot up from her chair, pointed straight at me, and screamed, “You stole my wallet, you disgusting thief!” Gasps hit the table like dropped glassware. Then she reached into the bag beside me, pulled out her wallet with a triumphant grin… and everyone stared as I started laughing.
The candles on the table leaned into their own reflections, soft halos trembling in the wineglasses. Salvatore’s warmed with the low thrum of familiar voices, cutlery chimes, and an old Sinatra recording that made even water taste sentimental. My parents—David and Marie—were flushed and happy in the amber light, hands touching, smiles lifting the room … Read more