I remained silent.

“You owe me this,” she continued. “After everything I’ve done for you, you owe my children some loyalty.”

I looked at the paper.

Then I folded it and placed it in my pocket.

“I’ll think about it.”

Mom visibly relaxed.

Nicole smiled.

They believed I’d surrendered.

But when I left that evening, I tucked the statement beside my bank records.

My sister had just given me written instructions to lie.

And I intended to preserve every word.

The following Saturday, I went to Caleb’s soccer game.

I hadn’t seen him play in weeks.

I stood near the edge of the field, hoping to avoid another confrontation.

But Dan noticed me.

He was sitting beside a row of orange cones, wearing his work jacket.

When the players took a break, he walked over.

“Micah. I’m glad you’re here.”

I gave him a small smile.