She brought no dessert.
And she arrived with no intention of apologizing.
PART 2 — THE PRICE OF ACCESS
Dinner began with the quiet pressure of ordinary conversation.
Sophia’s mother fussed over the chicken and asked whether she was eating properly.
Natalie talked about painting and natural light.
Kevin asked whether there was an electrical outlet on Sophia’s balcony.
Sophia allowed him to ask.
She watched her father wait until the plates had been cleared.
He loved timing.
He loved having an audience.
After coffee was served, he leaned back in his chair.
“Sophia,” he said, “your mother and I have made a decision.”
The sentence was so familiar that she almost laughed.
Her mother folded her hands and explained that finances had become difficult.
