Monica’s eyes narrowed, her attempt at intimidation falling flat. “You can’t just come in here and demand—”

“I can and I will,” I said, my voice steady. “Emma’s my sister, and she deserves to feel safe and valued in her own home. You’ve been here for what, a few months? You don’t get to rewrite our family history.”

I could see her struggling to keep her facade intact, but there was a crack in her mask now. “You’re overstepping.”

“No, Monica,” I said, stepping closer, “you overstepped the moment you tried to erase Mom from this house and make Emma feel like she was nothing more than an intruder.”

She opened her mouth to retort, but I wasn’t finished. “And if you think you can just shove her out to make room for your new life, you’re mistaken. Emma stays. Period. If anyone’s leaving, it’s you.”

Monica’s face flushed with anger. “I’ll tell your father—”

“Go ahead,” I said, unflinching. “Because after I’m done here, I’ll be having a long talk with him too. He’s forgotten what it means to be a parent, and he needs reminding.”

The room was silent except for the ticking of the kitchen clock, each second a testament to the stand-off. Monica glared at me, but I could see the uncertainty creeping in.

I turned away from her, heading toward what used to be Emma’s room, now a chaotic jumble of boxed memories and teenage dreams. I began gathering Emma’s belongings, not to move them out, but to reassure her that she was wanted, loved, and respected

As I worked, Monica hovered near the doorway, clearly torn between confronting me further and retreating. I ignored her, focused on the task at hand.

Finally, she huffed and disappeared down the hallway, her footsteps echoing in the hollow space that used to feel so full of life.

I finished packing some of Emma’s essentials and called her. “Hey, Em,” I said softly when she picked up. “You’re coming home. You belong here.”

Her voice, though still shaky, had a hint of relief in it. “Really?”

“Really,” I confirmed. “And don’t worry about Monica. We’ll sort this out together.”

As I hung up, I felt a sense of purpose settle over me. Monica might have thought she could bulldoze her way through our lives, but she underestimated the bond between sisters and the enduring strength of family. Emma and I had each other, and together, we’d reclaim the space that was rightfully ours.