The Summer I Disappeared Chapter 10

The Summer I Disappeared Chapter 10

The call connected on the second ring.

“Hello? Is this the university? My daughter, Winter…”

Dad’s voice was hoarse. Desperate. Threaded with exhaustion.

“It’s me.” I cut him off. Cold.

Dead silence on the other end.

Then a scramble. Chairs scraping. Mom’s stifled sobs.

“Winter! Winter, you finally called your dad!”

Dad’s voice shook violently. Relief and wild hope tangled together. And caution.

“What do you want?”

I leaned against the white hallway wall. Watched the palm trees swaying outside the window.

“How can you be so cruel…” Mom grabbed the phone. Crying so hard she could barely breathe.

“Do you have any idea what these days have been like for me? Every time I close my eyes, I see your face

covered in blood… Winter, Mom is sorry…”

“Tally cries every day too. Says Winter doesn’t want her anymore.”

“Come home. Please. Thanksgiving break. Let Dad buy you a plane ticket!”

I listened to her sobbing.

Before. The second she shed a single tear, I’d fold. I’d wonder if I really was the one in the wrong.

Now.

“Come home for what?” A quiet laugh escaped me. Ice cold.

“To watch the three of you play happy family? Or to go back to being Tally’s designated contrast?”