Chapter 8 Ethan found us on the Thanksgiving day. Grandma was preparing roasted Turkey. My foster brother was smoothing the smooth, cinnamon-scented pumpkin filling into a pie shell. Noticing me staring at the oven, he pinched my cheek affectionately. "There's plenty, you little foodie." From outside, Mrs. Clark's clear voice called out, "Eleanor! Come get it! I made Green bean casserole Mrs. Evans hip-checked her away. "Move over. She loves my cream pudding! She doesn't have room for your dish!" I smiled until my eyes curved, accepting both dishes. I patted my stomach playfully. "Thank you, Mrs. Clark, Mrs. Evans! I'll finish it all! I'll bring you pumpkin pies later!" "Hurry up then! My son's got the grill set up on the roof! Our families are sharing a drink tonight!" "Sounds great!" After seeing them off, I turned and immediately spotted Ethan standing not far away, dusty from his journey. This southern town had no airport -only slow regional commuter Trains. Ethan, raised in luxury, had never experienced such a long, grueling trip. He stood there, looking lost. In eight years, he had never seen such a smile on my face. Genuine. Overflowing with happiness. He clenched his fists, softening his voice as much as possible. "Eleanor... I've come to take you home. Back to our home. To live with me," he added hastily. I took a step back and shook my head. "My home is here. My family is here. I won't leave." Stubbornly, his eyes reddened. "But you're my true sister. Mine." My expression sobered. I fell silent. "Do you have any idea what it's like to see everyone else's families gather together on Thanksgiving while you're eating cold leftovers by yourself?" "Do you know what it's like to burn with fever in the middle of the night, dehydrated, with no one around?" "Do you know what it's like to wake to the sound of someone picking your lock, with no one to call for help?" 100.00% "You say I'm your sister... but I've been alone all along. Alone for eight years." I took a deep breath, long since at peace, speaking as calmly as if describing someone else's scars. Under his grief-stricken, crumbling gaze, I said softly, "Go back. Don't come again. I'm spending this Festival with my family. I wish you and yours a happy festival." I turned, thinking the pies were probably ready. Suddenly, a rough force grabbed me. Shocked, I turned to meet Ethan's desperately red eyes. "Eleanor, I know I did wrong! But I've realized my mistakes! I'll make it up to you! I'll love you for the rest of my life! Don't leave me! Come home with me! This shabby place isn't worthy of you!" He began dragging me toward the black car parked on the road. I was pale, but couldn't break free. In despair, Grandma rushed out with a broom and swung it at Ethan's face. He recoiled, watching as I hid fearfully in another man's arms, trembling. His sister... was afraid of him! Alexander patted my shoulder reassuringly, then looked at Ethan as if he were already dead. "Eight years ago, when you took Eleanor away, do you remember what you promised?" Ethan's face went deathly white. He remembered the vow he'd made back then, "If I'm ever less than good to Eleanor, may I lose all my family and suffer for the rest of my life." He staggered back, collapsing to the ground as if all strength had left him. A broken, despairing sob escaped him. "Eleanor... you're my only family left." I shook my head impassively. "No. You still have Amelia. She is your sister." His pupils shook violently. In my emotionless eyes, he could no longer find the sister who could never hide her joy at seeing him. I took Grandma and my foster brother's hands and went home. I didn't look back. Didn't acknowledge the heartbroken, childlike wails behind me. The next day, I received news about him. Ethan had been in a car accident on his way back. On a bus carrying eighteen people, he was the only one left paralyzed. 100.00% The promise he'd once dismissed had finally exacted its price. Later, I received many calls from unknown numbers. When I answered, there was only silence. Eventually, I understood. I changed my number without hesitation. Half a year later, a large sum of money appeared in my account. Ethan's assistant contacted me. "He's gone. The pain was too much... he took pills in the night. The funeral... will you...?" I gently interrupted. "Thank you for handling it. Bury his ashes beside my parents." He wronged me in life. In death, he can at least apologize to them. Behind me, Alexander called my name, waving a sparkler. I answered with a smile. Windows glowed warmly against the dusk, and fireworks crowned the night with light. That was the year the empty space at our table was filled-the year our family was made whole again. Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!