At holidays, the differences became quieter but sharper.
Blake and Lila were included automatically.
I was included conditionally.
My presence depended on whether I could be useful, agreeable, and grateful enough not to disturb the picture Celeste had designed.
When she wanted a Christmas card that looked perfect, I was positioned at the edge or asked to take the photograph.
When she needed someone to organize a fundraiser, watch a child, pick up a relative from the airport, or cover an expense until later, I became indispensable.
Later almost never arrived.
I looked at the empty chair again.
For one irrational moment, I considered sitting down anyway.
The place card did not carry my name, but thirty-one people had already seen what Celeste had done.
Taking the chair would not have made me part of the family.
