In the afternoon, Joyce followed Sean to their new home. I trailed behind my parents and Matthew.

Matthew drove the car, with my parents in the backseat. The empty front seat had always been reserved for Joyce. I sat in it, listening to them discuss my supposed faults.

“She hates me and this family so much that she wouldn’t even come back for her sister’s birthday party,” my mom sighed, leaning wearily on my dad’s shoulder. “I feel like I’ve failed in raising her.”

My dad patted her comfortingly. “She’s an ungrateful wretch, not worth your concern.”

I turned to study their faces, searching for any sign of care or...