‘What time did you get in?’ I asked.

‘Uh, half an hour ago.’ Hayley replied.

Her eyes stared at the tall white Christmas tress dressed from head to toe in decorations of red, gold, green and blue. She took in the white couches and dining table beyond the living room that I never used.

‘You have a really nice place. Listen, I don’t expect you to let me stay. I only came by to let you know I’m here.’

I took the handle of her suitcase. It was still sinking in that my sister was standing in my house and I was seeing her for the first time in years....