Six months later, life had never been better. So, it took me by surprise when I heard a knock on my door one evening. I opened it to find my parents, Marcus, and Sandra all standing there, looking sheepish and downcast. They seemed so different from the last time I’d seen them—gone were the smug smiles and superior airs.

Marcus spoke first, the bravado in his voice replaced with a note of desperation. “We need to talk,” he said, shifting on his feet.