Claire placed warm apple pie in front of everyone before sitting down.
Mom looked around the table, her eyes shining.
“I haven’t seen this house this happy in years.”
Dad squeezed her hand.
She turned to Claire.
“I’ve wanted to tell you something all evening.”
Claire smiled shyly.
“What is it?”
Mom dabbed her eyes with a napkin.
“I know nobody could ever replace Sarah.”
Claire nodded quietly.
“And nobody should.”
Mom reached across the table and covered Claire’s hand.
“But I’m so grateful someone as kind as you is taking care of Paxton and Ari.” She glanced toward me. “I think Sarah would finally be at peace knowing they aren’t alone anymore.”
The room settled into a warm silence.
Then a chair scraped sharply across the floor.
Ari stood.
Her little finger rose.
She pointed directly at Claire.
“She’s a MONSTER.”
Every sound disappeared.
My sister lowered her fork.
Dad stared at Ari.
Mom blinked.
Claire froze with one hand still on her coffee cup.
I forced a laugh that sounded hollow.
“Sweetheart…”
Ari didn’t move.
Her finger stayed pointed.
“Why would you call Claire a monster?” I asked.
Ari looked at me with wide, frightened eyes.
“Because…” Her voice barely rose above a whisper. “…when I love Claire… Mommy starts fading.”
The words hit me like ice water.
Nobody spoke.
Ari twisted the edge of her dress.
“When Claire brushes my hair now…” She looked toward Sarah’s photograph on the mantel. “…I can’t remember Mommy doing it.”
A tear rolled down her cheek.
“When Claire hugs me…” She pressed both hands to her chest. “…I forget what Mommy’s hugs were supposed to feel like.”
Mom covered her mouth.
Ari looked at Claire.
“When people say she’s our new mommy now…” Her lip trembled. “…my real Mommy goes away forever.”
She began crying.
“In stories…” Ari sniffled. “…monsters make people disappear.”
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