Family meals, once my greatest joy, became painful. Evelyn sat at the head of the table, laughing loudly, while I remained a silent shadow at the end. Once, I passed a piece of meat to Jason, but Evelyn’s sweet, mocking voice cut in, “Mom, he’s old enough to serve himself.” Jason just smiled uncomfortably, oblivious to his wife’s look that told me I had no place there.

Dylan was the only light in those dark days. He would run to my room for help with his homework, and in those moments, I felt I still existed. But Evelyn wouldn’t leave even that alone, often interrupting our time together. “Those old stories just confuse him, Mom. Dylan, go study English.”