The Fifth Chair

It was the final Thanksgiving before our college graduation, and my boyfriend’s custom-ordered pie box finally arrived for our friend group.

The velvet-lined box had exactly four compartments. In each compartment sat a miniature pie, beautifully baked with a name etched into the crust.

My older brother, Liam.

My childhood best friend, Mason.

My boyfriend, Ethan.

And my younger adopted sister, Chloe.

Four names. Perfectly arranged.

Mine was the only one missing.

Everyone’s eyes immediately darted to Ethan. He rubbed the back of his neck and shrugged casually.