« What’s going on? » asked Hannah.
Emily clutched the shirt to her chest. « Nothing—just a misunderstanding. »
I spoke before she could twist the story. « Your sister spent three days in a hotel with another man. The detective’s photos are in this folder. »
Hannah’s eyes widened. She took the shirt from Emily’s hands and turned to the first page. The color vanished from her face when she saw the first photo—Emily kissing the man in the hotel parking lot. She turned her head toward her sister. « Emily… what are you doing? »
Emily wavered, her voice breaking. « Hannah, please don’t… don’t judge me. I was lost. »
« Lost? » I repeated. « You turned off your phone, you let your parents think you were dead, and you checked into a hotel with a man you kissed in public. »
Emily started to cry. « Jake, please, let me explain— »
« No. » I take a step back. « Don’t insult me with excuses. Sign the divorce papers. »
Hannah covered her mouth, but did not defend her sister. She looked ill.
Emily tried again. « It meant nothing. I swear to God, Jake, that was stupid— »
« Three days of stupidity? » I asked. « Three nights in the same hotel room? Three mornings leaving together? Don’t lie to me. »
Emily collapsed into a chair, crying so hard it echoed throughout the house. Hannah stood frozen, guilt and anger battling across her face.
Finally, she whispered, « I think… I think I should leave. »
Emily rushed towards her. « No! Hannah, please! Don’t leave me here! »
But Hannah stepped back towards the door. « I can’t be a part of this. » Then she left, closing the door behind her.
The house fell silent, except for Emily’s sobs.
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