Chapter 5 — She Speaks For Herself

SarahCan I say something.

MargaretI don't think that's —

SarahI've sat here four times and I've never said anything, so I'd like to say one thing.

RobertGo ahead.

SarahI didn't know about any of this. Not the shares, not the folder, none of it.

MargaretOf course you didn't.

SarahYou can believe me or not, Margaret. I'm telling you because it's true.

MargaretDavid tells you everything.

SarahHe didn't tell me this. I'd have asked him not to do it.

PrestonWhy?

SarahBecause now every one of you gets to think I'm the reason.

Nobody said anything.

SarahMy father drove the same route for thirty-one years. He got up at three-ten every morning. He never once said a bad word about anybody in this family, because I never told him what happens at these dinners.

MargaretWe have been perfectly —

SarahYou put my dinner on the floor twenty minutes ago.

MargaretYou spilled the gravy.

SarahI spilled the gravy.

Sarah stood up and picked her napkin off her chair and folded it and put it on the table.

SarahDavid, I'll wait in the car.

DavidI'll come with you.

SarahNo. Stay and finish it. You've been carrying it since March.

RobertSarah.

SarahYes.

RobertSit down. Please.

SarahIn which chair?

Robert...In that one. Next to David.

Sarah sat down next to David.