Chapter 41

“Hiding the bottle. Grandma did it with Grandpa all the time. She didn’t want him to see her drinking. He’d physically abuse her if he knew.”

“Dad is nothing like his father.”

“No. But Mom has a problem just like Grandma. I guarantee you Dad doesn’t know Mom is drinking again.”

We sit in silence. The wind slaps against us. Paula lights a third cigarette.

“I’m scared,” I say a few minutes later.

“I am too.” She places her hand on my knee.

“What are we going to do?”

“Not to sound pessimistic, but there’s nothing we can do. Our parents have always been obstinate. They’re set in their own ways. We just have to sit back and watch them grow old.”

“This isn’t just about age, sis. Dad’s been slipping for the past two years, if not sooner. We have to do something.”