Chapter 2 - GRANDMA LILLIAN'S UNEXPECTED ALLY
The following Sunday, Daniel invited me to lunch at his parents' house.
I almost refused.
Then Lillian sent me a message.
Not a text.
A video.
She sat in her wheelchair wearing a purple cardigan.
Her hands moved deliberately.
Come. I have something to show you.
I watched it three times.
Then I went.
Caroline greeted me at the door.
“Mara, sweetheart!”
She kissed the air beside my cheek.
Then glanced at my coat.
Her hands moved behind my back.
Still dressing like a substitute teacher.
Heather laughed.
I smiled.
“Lovely to see you too.”
Caroline's smile faltered.
Only for a second.
Then she stepped aside.
Lillian was waiting in the sunroom.
She had a wooden box on her lap.
When I entered, she smiled.
Close the door.
I did.
She opened the box.
Inside were photographs.
Letters.
Old newspaper clippings.
And a small blue notebook.
Lillian lifted the notebook.
My husband gave me this when I was twenty-three.
I smiled.
What is it?
Her expression changed.
Proof.
My stomach tightened.
Of what?
Lillian looked toward the living room.
May you like
Then signed:
That Caroline has been lying to this family for thirty years.
