Ryan had always been loud when he thought an audience would support him. At family gatherings, he enjoyed making jokes at someone else’s expense, then dismissing any objection by saying people were too sensitive.
That day, surrounded by his relatives, he looked completely comfortable.
He glanced at my clothes, my duffel bag, and the vehicle parked near the driveway.
He did not ask why I was there.
He did not greet me.
He did not even lower his voice.
“What is this parasite doing here?” he barked. “Leave immediately.”
Several conversations stopped.
I adjusted the duffel strap on my shoulder and looked directly at him.
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me,” he said. “We’re having a family reunion. You weren’t invited.”
A few of his relatives watched with open curiosity. Others smiled as though Ryan had just delivered the first line of an entertaining argument.
I looked past him toward the kitchen.
