Their happiness was infectious, filling the space with warmth that tugged at my heartstrings. For a moment, I allowed myself to revel in it, the kind of familial love I thought I’d lost forever after my parents passed away.
But the sweetness of the moment carried a bitter aftertaste. 'What a wonderful family,' I thought, my fingers tightening around the roll of tape. 'And what a pity.'
***
I snapped out of my thoughts and began attaching the decorations. Carefully, I stuck tape onto the corners of a colorful "Congratulations" banner and stepped onto a chair to affix it above the window. The task gave me something to focus on, something to ground me amidst the swirling emotions.
Just as I finished placing the first decoration, Sarah hurried out of the kitchen, her phone pressed to her ear. “Hello, Anne? You’re downstairs? Did you buy a lot for the wedding? Don’t let David carry too much—I’ll send your dad to help!”
She ended the call with a bright laugh and called out to Tom. “Tom, go downstairs and help them. They’ve brought a ton of stuff.”
Tom nodded, setting down his cleaning cloth. “On it,” he said cheerfully, heading out the door.
***
By the time David and Anne arrived, I had just finished decorating the last window. I stepped down from the chair and turned to see my brother surveying the room, his lips curling into an approving smile.
“This family is lucky to have such a hardworking daughter,” he teased, walking over to me. “Not bad! I’m going to reward you today. Come on, guess what it is.”
I rolled my eyes playfully, trying to match his lighthearted energy. “A new Apple phone!”
David burst into laughter, reaching into his bag and pulling out a sleek new phone. He handed it to me with a grin, then ruffled my hair roughly. “Hey, where did you get so smart, huh? Did Tom and Sarah give you a secret potion or something?”
Lowering my gaze, I hid the swirl of emotions threatening to surface. “Smart? Must be genetic,” I murmured, my voice barely audible.
Anne was the last to step inside, her makeup flawlessly done, enhancing her delicate features. Standing beside my brother, they looked like a perfect match, radiating happiness. She gave me a warm smile and beckoned me to follow her into a side room.