Nick had made himself exit the car, walk up the steps to his parents' house, and smile when his mother had greeted them with animated endearments. He made himself eat meatloaf, engage in casual conversation, and pretend nothing at all was freaking wrong. Pretended he didn't give a shit that Trisha was trying to walk away from him. End it.

After she argued baseball with his father and said good night to his mother, Trisha descended the hall and disappeared into their bedroom. ...