The Summer I Disappeared Chapter 05

The Summer I Disappeared Chapter 05

Tally’s graduation party. Just their closest friends, a few neighbors, and the high school counselor.

Tally played the perfect daughter. Sparkling cider in hand. Chatting and posing for photos with her parents’ friends.

But at the main table, something felt off.

Mom kept glancing at the banquet room doors. Her brow pinched tighter each time.

Beside her, an empty seat. On it, an expensive-looking shopping bag.

“That girl is getting more and more impossible.”

Mom muttered it under her breath. Frustration and exhaustion in her voice.

“I went all the way to Nordstrom to pick out a dress. Thought I’d give her an easy way out. And she just shuts

her phone off!”

Dad set down his coffee cup. Sighed.

“I did push her pretty hard yesterday. She’s got a right to be upset.”

Something rare flickered across his face. Regret.

“After the meal, pack up some of her favorite dishes to take home.”

“Leo, you might have to talk to her again.”

Leo sat off to the side. Fingers restlessly swiping at his phone screen.

At his feet, a brand new laptop bag. The top-of-the-line MacBook he’d bought that morning.

“Don’t worry, sir. Winter is the most reasonable person I know.”

Leo looked at the laptop bag. Felt a little steadier.

He knew Winter.

He’d put this computer, way better than Tally’s, in front of her. Say a few sweet words.

She’d swallow her hurt. Just like she’d done a thousand times before.

The doors swung open.

Ms. Green, the school counselor, walked in beaming. A thick envelope in her hand.

Mr. and Mrs. McCall! Congratulations!” Ms. Green was practically glowing.

“Tally’s scores are solid. She’s a lock for the state university. And staying close to home too. How’sweet is

that!”

“Thank you, thank you. Ms. Green, please, sit down.” Dad stood up quickly to greet her.

Ms. Green looked around the room. Her expression shifted to confusion.

“Wait. Where’s Winter? Our National Merit Scholar?”

“I brought her the National Scholarship application from the school!”

The room went silent.