I could have said many things.
Because I was trapped.
Because adults made their problems mine.
Because nobody noticed until Grandpa did.
Instead, I looked at my nephew and chose the answer he could carry without being crushed by it.
“Because sometimes people stay in places longer than they should,” I said. “And sometimes they need help remembering they can leave.”
Owen considered that seriously.
“Grandpa Daniel helped you?”
I smiled a little. “Yeah. He did.”
Owen nodded, then stole a roll from the basket and ran before Grandma could scold him.
At dinner, noise filled every corner. Forks clinked. Kids laughed. Claire told a story too loudly. Dad complained that turkey was impossible to carve evenly. Mom asked whether anyone wanted more potatoes.
For a moment, I saw the old Thanksgiving table in my mind.
Me frozen mid-answer.
Dad waving his hand.
Claire offended.
Mom crying.
Grandpa setting down his fork.
Then I looked at the table in front of me.
Different house.
Different rules.
My name on the mortgage.
My food on the plates.
My choice to open the door.
Grandma raised her glass of cider.
“To Daniel,” she said.
The room quieted.
Dad looked down. Mom wiped her eye. Claire’s expression softened. Even the boys stopped moving.
I lifted my glass.
“To Grandpa,” I said.
