Chapter 2: The Family Ultimatum

We slid into Dad’s spotless Lexus, the scent of pine air freshener and new leather pressing in. Dad wouldn’t stop talking: 'You remember Nathan, right? You always called him silly dog when you were kids. Made him fetch sticks at the lake house.'

I groaned, not quite denying it. Maybe once or twice. Dad sighed, glancing in the rearview mirror. 'Now he’s really not himself.'

'What?!' I nearly tore the door handle off. Mom’s glare shot over her glasses—the same one she used to give me in church when I fidgeted. 'He’s a little out of it, not dead. Don’t be dramatic.'

She explained: Nathan broke up with someone, spiraled, went rock climbing in Colorado, got hit by a falling rock, and woke up with scrambled memories. 'He can’t handle complex sentences. The best doctors treated him, but nothing’s changed. His grandpa nearly collapsed from the stress—wants to see Nathan married before he goes.'

'But I just saw Nathan like a friend’s photo on Instagram!' I protested. Mom glared harder. 'Let the man have his phone. It’s all he’s got.'

I shut up, the car suddenly too small. Mom continued, 'If Nathan’s going to marry, it has to be someone we trust. Aunt Rachel thought of you. You two played together as kids.'

Dad chimed in, using his calmest voice: 'Don’t worry, son. Once Nathan’s grandpa passes, you two can quietly divorce. No one will ask questions.'

Bitterness coated my tongue. 'Would Nathan even agree to this?' 'He doesn’t really remember you. Not clearly.'

'When Aunt Rachel showed him your photo, he said three words: Tyler, bad.'

That stung more than I’d admit. 'What did I do?' I asked. Mom shrugged, 'Probably remembered you ditching him for the older kids.'

I looked away, scratching my nose—my lifelong tell. Mom’s interrogation mode kicked in. 'Why do you look guilty? Did you hurt Nathan?' I shot up, too quick. 'No! We haven’t talked since high school.' The lie rolled off my tongue.

She studied me, finally letting it go. 'I’ll call Aunt Rachel. We’ll set up dinner downtown.'

'Isn’t sleeping with someone who’s…out of it…illegal?' I tried. Mom’s eyes rolled so hard I thought they’d get stuck. 'Then let him sleep with you.' I had no comeback for that.