“Karly, honey, I’m sorry about your brother, but he’ll come round. Now, where did you say you were, dear? I’m sorry, I was distracted… work, and all…”

Not here, I want to say. Not here. My mind is far, far away; buried in the coffin that we put Dad in today, and with Marcus as he is walking away. Marcus, my angry, expressive brother, who doesn’t understand that I’m trying so hard just to keep up the image that We’re Okay.

“I’m at the reception, Mom. It was today, remember?” I sigh. “Look, I have to go. People are staring. Bye.” I hang up and glance around my living room; the guests are only slightly ruffled by Marcus’s departure.

Mrs. Kyle walks over to me. “Oh, you poor dear. It must be so difficult to be the woman of the household at such a young age. Don’t worry about your brother, he’ll be fine.”

I smooth my hair. Smile. Flash those pearly whites, Karly! Your dad paid thousands for them! “Oh, yes,” I say. “I’ll just give him some time. He’ll be fine.”

Right.