My sister walked into the house I secretly bought, picked her bedroom, and announced she was moving in that weekend. My parents agreed without asking me. Two days later, her copied key stopped working—and her smile disappeared the second I opened the door.

call for a long time.

My mother sent one message.

**You’ve changed.**

I stared at those two words for several minutes.

Then I replied.

**Yes.**

Spring came slowly to Wisconsin.

I planted lavender along the fence. I painted the guest room green. I turned the third bedroom into an office with a lock on the door.

Not because I expected anyone to come.

But because,continue reading …