My Apartment Burned Down. My Parents Said, “Not Our Problem.” Then the Fire Investigator Called.

I said nothing. My hands stayed relaxed at my sides, my expression neutral. Let them watch. Let them remember this moment. My silence. Her performance.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. A text from Marcus: Got the full footage. You need to see this now.

I stood. “Excuse me,” I said calmly. “I need some air.”

And I walked out the front door, leaving my mother continue reading …