f the couch, wringing her hands, eyes swollen and red from crying. Her husband paced by the window, pe

gain, her voice fragile. "Are you absol

told Miriam she was spending the weekend at her place, but Miriam h

father finally spoke up, his

d, quieter now. "Sandra never lies.

e silence, each of them filli

The silence there felt just as heavy-maybe heavier. Her heart thudded in waves of panic, not just for being found out, but for

quick messa

Now my parents found out I'm not

y was almos

t are you g

orning, I'l

na. Not to Joseph. That secret stayed curled d

rep

ize to your parents. I'm

ers

was there to understand? That she was reckless? That she was scared? That she di

ing. Joseph was in the kitchen, humming some t

around him. She hadn't laughed once since she arrived, barely even smil

ay, watching her sit on the edge of the be

ng something close to

ing to her phone lying facedown

want any disturbance,

dn't press further. "Alright,

ng slightly as she typed. He stepped closer, ca

e

a bad dream or a scary mov

aid gently, "w

k a flood. But then it broke. Words came tumbling out-about her brother, her lie, he

go home tomorrow. I don't want your parents to keep wor

r phone and tapped the voice message again. Ja

to the police that you're missing. If I find you m

again. As if replaying

aside. "Maybe he's just trying to scare you into coming back," he said careful

d in her head like a warning siren. Maybe the police weren't re

to his arms. "You cold?" he asked, his voice

d, then whis

a moment, she let herself melt int

thought. Face them. They won

tion waiting at home, but of the choices she'd m

t and unwelcome. Sandra stirred, reaching groggily

age fr

our brother called, asking if I have Joseph's number or know where h

r from

told me you were using my name to

just then. It w

looded in. Her heart thudded violently in

rned the phone scr

h and go home now," he said gently. "At least ease their minds.

clung to her like a second skin. Still, she rose and walked to the ba

he ground would just open up and swallow her whole. But w

e said to Jose

left her lips, a knock

voi

't open-" she tried to s

urned th

Jay, that smug, backstabbing look smeared across his face. Behind him stood

" Jay said, stepping insi

re going to the station. And y

clenched. If only I had taken her home earlier,

into the receiver, "Yes, I've seen her. I