Chapter 27

The answer was a resounding no. Jeffery's words brought the once-bustling living room to a complete halt. Everyone looked at one another, but no one could muster a single defense. Jeffery spoke again, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "Like all of you, I initially thought Sienna left just to throw a fit. But it hit me just now. Maybe it wasn't a tantrum. Maybe she left because we broke her heart. "I used to think Sienna was the one clinging to us, but it turns out we're the ones who can't do without her. This family only functions when she's around. "If that rings true for any of you, take a hard look at yourselves. If she ever comes back, don't treat her the way you did before." Even Jeffery was surprised to hear himself defend me so fiercely. For decades, he'd never stood up for me, which taught the others to follow his lead and walk all over me. The realization filled him with regret for what he'd said to me recently. Samuel and Sally exchanged a look, both silently admi