The backyard was alive with chatter and laughter, the smoky scent of grilled meat hanging in the air. Elena leaned against the fence at the far end of the garden, swirling the soda in her cup, not even pretending to engage with the rest of the family anymore. She’d smiled, nodded, endured the hugs and the same questions she always got whenever she came home for the holidays—but now, she just wanted quiet.

She slipped her phone out, pretending to scroll, while secretly counting the minutes ...