Chapter 19: The Cave

It's a Sunday morning. I hear the rain. The smell of sweet water rises to my face. I quietly leave Sammy and Selah behind me. They are dead to the world. The clock says it's 5 am. I still haven't spoken with dad since Olive Garden. I've been distant from him. Dad finds me in the kitchen making coffee.

"Hello, Natalie... I'm sorry I yelled the other night. It was wrong of me. I took the divorce out on you. Please forgive me...when you are ready, of course," he stops.

I don't reply. The coffee timer goes off, and I pour dad a large cup.

"Thanks, dad. I appreciate that. I need to be with Aunt Tara," I say.

"I agree...and so does your mom. We will help you move there later this week, okay, sweetie?" He asks.

I nod and hug dad. I don't make eye contact with him. I will only cry if I do. Crying makes me purge if I'm struck hard enough with sorrow.

"Thanks. I'm going to Aunt Tara's now. I'm going to ride Carmel. I need to feel the rain," I say.

"Have fun. You're just like your mom. She loves