“Keep the bookstore,” Meredith said suddenly. “I’ll buy it myself. I’ll put it in Jamie’s name. No conditions.”

For a long moment, no one moved. Then Eleanor picked up the lemon tart, walked to the kitchen, and dropped it—plate and all—into the trash. She returned to the table, sat down, and poured herself a glass of water.

Family dramas often explore deeper psychological themes, including: