In the afternoon, the party concluded smoothly.

After seeing off the guests, my dad's face darkened as he told my mom to keep calling me.

Joyce's eyes were red, the few rhinestones at the corners of her eyes reflecting her tears. She held my father's hand and said understandingly, "Let it go, Dad. Rose is still a child; she might just be throwing a tantrum. I'm her sister; I shouldn't hold it against her."

Sure enough, a hint of pity crossed my dad's face. Matthew, however, was indignant. "Sis, you're too kind to her. You see her as a sister, but has she ever seen you as one?"

Joyce bit...