She breathed deeply and sighed. I heard Mom and Aunt Carol talking. She stated that there was no fortune teller.
I froze. “No fortune teller?”
Beth looked at her with empathy. Mom invented it. She thought Jack would spend less time with her having triplets. She thought… She believed convincing him that the females would bring ill luck would keep him close.
It felt like the room was spinning. What I heard was unbelievable. My rage was so strong I had to put Grace down before my shaking hands gave away.
That woman,” I murmured, furious. “She tore my family apart for selfish reasons.”
Beth comforted my shoulder. Emily, I’m sorry. She may not have anticipated his departure, but… You should know the truth.”
No sleep that night. Part of me wanted to confront my mother-in-law about her actions. But I also wanted to tell Jack the truth and hope he returned.
The next morning, I called Jack. Dialing made my hands quiver as each ring got longer. Finally, he replied.
“Jack, it’s me,” I said, steady. “We must talk.”
He sighed. I don’t know if that’s a good idea, Emily.”
“Just listen,” I said, trying not to be shaken. Jack, there was no fortune teller. Your mother lied.”
The stillness was long. Then he talked calmly yet dismissively. Emily, I disagree. My mother wouldn’t lie so seriously.”
“She did, Jack,” I responded, furious. She confessed to Carol. Beth listened. She lied to avoid losing you.”
Scoffed, the sound hurtful. “Look, Em, that fortune teller was right before. I know her better than you. My mother would never lie about something so big.”
I kept going despite my heart sinking. Jack, think about it. Why lie? Your daughters are family. Can you just ab.an.d.on them for this?
Finally, he sighed after not answering. Emily, I’m sorry. I cannot.”
The line ended. I glanced at the phone, recognizing he’d decided. He vanished.
