You stood at the stove, stirring a pot of Diana’s favorite pasta, glancing at the clock. Spencer was late. Again. Figures he’d leave them waiting on Diana’s “last family night” before college.

Finally, the door creaked open, and Spencer slipped in, a bottle of sparkling cider tucked under his arm.

“Nice of you to join us,” you muttered, barely looking up.

“I had to finish a report,” he said tightly. “Some of us still have demanding jobs.” He knew exactly where to hit.

“Right, wouldn’t want to interrupt your important work.” You rolled your eyes. “I’m sorry I forgot that your job is the most important thing here.”

Spencer set the bottle down a little harder than necessary. “You wouldn’t understand. You gave up trying years ago.”

“Maybe because you made it clear you’d rather chase killers than be with your family,” you shot back.

So caught up in the argument, neither of you noticed Diana standing in the doorway, arms crossed, pure exasperation on her face.

“Are you two serious right now?” she said sharply, making you both turn. “I set this up so maybe you’d act like adults for once.” She glared. “I’m the one going to college, but somehow I’m always babysitting you two.”

You opened your mouth to speak, but she held up a hand. “No. I don’t want to hear it. You two can’t get through one meal without acting like kids. It’s embarrassing.”

Silence fell, and Diana took a deep breath, summoning patience.

“Look,” she softened, “I love you both. I’m leaving in a few days—Mom will be in her apartment, and dad in his. I don’t want you both to be insufferable when I’m not around. I want you both to lean on each other—just try. You used to love each other. Can you at least pretend to get along for my sake?”

She grabbed her bag from the counter. “I’ll be back after midnight,” she said with a sigh. “While I’m out, you two are gonna talk—without killing each other. Or when I’m at college, I won’t come home. Not even for Christmas.”

The door shut behind her, leaving the two of you staring at each other in silence.