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I lean forward, bending down to look at the face half shielded by her curls “He’s just busy ork We have a lot of bills co in” I decided to be honest with her Teens don’t like to be lied to, and once you break their trust, it’s near iet back

“Is he?” She scowls “What about when he is home locked away in his room or the study?’

“I can’t speak for him But we all handle loss in different ways” I reach over and grab her hands “You know he loves youthe best he can

Fiona snorts “I hate being alone, and all anyone wants to do is give me space” Her voice wavers How could I not spot this?

“Do you feel lonely, Fi?”

She nods her head “Dad stays locked away like a king in a tower, you’re alorking, and I feel so removed from all my friends”

Her words make my heart hurt “You know you can always co down ether That’s the whole reason why I came back”

She peers at h a curtain of hair “It is?”

“Yes Because sisters have each other’s back, and right now, our family needs each other more than ever”

The hopeful sht have to endure later because of it, orth it

LETTERS SPILL OUT OF the h as the freedoray raincloud My throat dries, and otten the mail since we left

“Hartley?” Fiona’s voice quivers

“It’s okay” I s inside He’s been in a deep depression Would he haro, I wouldn’t question it Now, nothing feels certain “Wait here”

Shaken, Fiona turns to h I won’t let her walk into anything else

“Should we call someone?”