Pam’s voice broke on the last line.
“I lied to Mom,” she said. “I told her propane was expensive and the co-op was backed up. Because I didn’t have the money for a top-off, and I couldn’t tell any of you that I’d spent the propane money on Mark’s insurance.”
She put her face in her hands.
“I told myself I’d fix it after Christmas. I told myself Mom was fine, she always says she doesn’t mind it cool. I didn’t drive out and look at the gauge. I didn’t want to know.” Her shoulders shook. “If Julie hadn’t driven out that day, Mom could have…”
She couldn’t finish.
Nobody spoke for a long time. Mom was crying quietly in her chair by the window. Dean was staring at the table. Rob had his jaw clenched so tight I could see the muscle working.
Finally, Rob spoke. His voice was low and rough, exactly like Dad’s.
“Pam. Why didn’t you call me?”
She lifted her head. Her face was wet.
“Because you’re my big brother, Rob. And Dad always said you take care of your own. I didn’t want you to think I couldn’t take care of mine.”
“You think I’d have let you lose your house?”
“I didn’t know what you’d do. I was too ashamed to find out.”
Rob looked at her for a long time. Then he reached across the table and put his big, rough, cattle-feeding hand over hers.
“You’re my sister,” he said. “That’s what I’d have done. I’d have helped.”
Pam broke down completely.
