When I entered the dining room, everyone was seated waiting for me, except Daniel and his wife. That was a little consolation. At least, two less people to witness my degradation.

Mum's eyes were hard and her nose was flaring. Dad, on the other hand, as usual, had his face behind a newspaper. Sophia and her Dad were seated together while Riley, whose spot was always right beside mine since we were young, was seated too. They all looked at me and quickly averted their eyes after a brief shock flashed across their eyes. Except for Mum. I heard a soft gasp escape from her lips. She took a quick...