Chapter 8
Chapter 8: The Family Summit
When Ethan came home that evening, Lauren told him about the encounter. Instead of being angry, Ethan wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. “I’ve never been prouder of you,” he whispered.
But the final test was looming. The following week was Thanksgiving. Traditionally, the entire Miller clan gathered at Ethan's aunt’s large estate in the suburbs of Chicago.
On Friday evening, Ethan received an email from his Aunt Evelyn, the matriarch of the extended family.
“Ethan, we are all aware of the drama that happened between you and your mother. It’s incredibly unfortunate. However, Thanksgiving is about family. Your mother has agreed to be in the same room as you, provided you and Lauren apologize for the public Facebook post. We expect to see you all on Thursday. Let’s put this silliness behind us.”
Ethan sat at his computer, Lauren looking over his shoulder.
“Are we going?” she asked quietly. “If we don't, they’ll use it as ammunition forever. They’ll say we’re the ones alienating the family.”
Ethan looked at Lauren. “Do you want to go to a place where you have to pretend everything is fine with people who insulted you?”
“No,” Lauren said instantly. “I want to eat turkey on our couch with you and Noah.”
Ethan smiled and hit reply on the email.
May you like
“Aunt Evelyn, thank you for the invitation. However, Lauren and I will not be attending Thanksgiving this year, or any other family gathering for the foreseeable future. We do not owe anyone an apology for telling the truth. My mother and sister showed a total lack of empathy for a sick toddler and an exhausted mother. Until my mother issues a written, heartfelt apology to Lauren, we are opting out of the Miller family dynamics. Enjoy your holiday.”
He hit send. It was a declaration of independence. They were no longer playing the game of toxic family loyalty.
