“Attention, everyone,” Brad announced, leaning back like he owned the place. “Bernice has an announcement.”

I looked up from my plate.

My mother set the knife down and wiped her hands on a napkin. She still wouldn’t meet my eyes. She stared at the wall behind me, like I was just background noise.

“Tiana,” she said, voice steady and rehearsed, “you need to move out.”

My fork hovered halfway to my mouth.

“Excuse me?” I asked.

“Move out,” she repeated, as if explaining something obvious to a stranger. “Pack your bags and go. Tonight is your last night here.”