The Cousins

by Karen M. McManus

Most days since their father’s death, Allison felt as though the void left by his larger-than-life presence was unfillable; the kind of loss she’d ache with her entire life. But every once in a while—usually in a quiet moment like this with Archer—she could imagine a time in the future when the memories became more sweet than bitter.

“Fine,” he says coolly. And then he goes so silent that I’d think the call dropped if I didn’t know better. He’s punishing me for avoiding him all week. This is what my father does when he’s annoyed: withholds affection and approval to make his disappointment clear.