Chapter 5 - THE STORY BLAKE WAS GIVEN
Ethan could not believe it.
Richard had transformed the accident into mythology.
Aaron did not die because “family comes first.”
He died driving into dangerous weather after being pressured.
Yet Blake had been told his father’s death was almost heroic.
A sacrifice.
That story did two things.
It made Aaron’s death meaningful.
And it made Blake untouchable.
Sarah said:
“No wonder he acts like consequences are betrayal.”
Ethan agreed.
But he refused to excuse the cake assault.
Blake was twelve.
Old enough to know forcing food into someone’s mouth was wrong.
Young enough that adults had shaped his entitlement.
Both mattered.
Then Blake texted Ethan.
UNCLE ETHAN:
Grandpa says you’re trying to take Dad’s money from me.
Ethan stared.
There was no “Dad’s money.”
Richard’s estate belonged to Richard.
Ethan replied:
I am not trying to take anything from you.
Blake:
Then why did you yell at me?
Because you hurt June.
It was a joke.
She was crying.
Grandpa says June cries because you baby her.
Ethan closed his eyes.
The family language had already transferred to Blake.
Then another message arrived.
Grandpa says if you keep attacking me he’ll make sure June gets nothing.
Ethan called Richard.
“Stop discussing inheritance with a twelve-year-old.”
Richard answered:
“He deserves to know where he stands.”
“He deserves to know you love him without making money proof.”
“You don’t understand what I owe him.”
“You don’t owe him permission to hurt people.”
Richard’s voice hardened.
“You think one stupid cake prank compares to losing a father?”
“No.”
“Then act like it.”
Ethan went quiet.
There it was.
Every misbehavior Blake committed could be outweighed by Aaron’s death.
A permanent moral credit.
Then Richard added:
“And before you start judging me, ask yourself where you were the night Aaron died.”
Ethan froze.
“I was at college.”
“No.”
May you like
Richard’s tone sharpened.
“You were the reason he wanted the eighty thousand dollars in the first place.”
