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.