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And there is absolutely no way I a to let that happen

"Father, I'm sorry" My voice is the perfect blend of shahter who knows she's messed upbut who also knows that she can soon s are not as bad as they seem

"My God, child! Where are you? Are you safe?"

"I'm safe," I assure him quickly

"I would've called the police if I still didn't hear from you by today—-"

"I'rily blink back tears that would only"I'—-"

"Where are you?"

I take a deep breath and then I hear myself say, "I'm in rehab"

A heartbeat of silence ensues, and then my father's voice cracks "Sara My God Sara You never seemed"

"I h-hide it well"

"Why didn't you come to me?"

I can tell by his voice that he's already bla himself, and this breaks my heart "Because I didn't want you to suffer for —-"

"I should have been there for you"

"You've been always there forI need to fix onbetter so pleaseplease Father, please don't blame yourself"

"Can I visit you?"

I find h I know he can't see me "I'm sorry, not just yet It's too early—-"

"I just want to see for myself that you're truly fine—-"

"I am, Father I truly am But I justI just need to be alone for now, and it hasn't anything to do with you It's just soh, and I justI just want to be coain"

The silence frohten around the phone

"Alright, Sara"

My body sags with relief "Thank you, Father"

"ButI would truly like to knohere you are at least"

I didn't expect him to pressfor so to say