me small things that hurt more than the large ones.
How my mother had started giving staff instructions not to take orders from Emma unless Margaret approved them.
How Jennifer borrowed Emma’s jewelry and returned some pieces damaged, then claimed Emma was forgetful.
How Michael threw parties when I was overseas and told guests Emma preferred to stay out of sight.
How my calls always seemed to come when Emma was “resting,” “unwell,” or “out.”
How letters she wrote to me were returned undelivered, then disappeared.
“How did you stay?” I asked finally.
Emma thought about that.
“At first, because I thought you would come home and it would end. Then because I didn’t want your mother to say I abandoned the marriage. Then because I started looking for proof.”
The envelope sat on the coffee table between us.
“How long have you been collecting it?”
“Two years.”
