Nineteen

Vespa

Entering through the front door, exhausted like I'd run a marathon, I dropped my keys and gazed around. The house was silent with no sign of life.

"Dad," I called, heading to his room, but my mum stepped out and we collided into each other.

"Oi!" she exclaimed, brushing herself off with her customary frown. "Watch where you're going."

"Hello mum," I stepped aside, letting her pass.

"What are you doing here?"

My chest rose in pursuit of air. Must she always act coldly towards me?

"Way to welcome your daughter whom you haven't seen in weeks. I came to check on Dad. "

"Don't you have important stuff to do in school?" she said, letting her bitterness spill into her voice.

"Even superheroes take breaks. Mom. Astrid informed me he had a work accident. Is he okay?" I asked, trying hard not to raise my pitch.

She moved away from me, heading to the living room. "Go see for yourself."

Ignoring her, I took the steps two at a time, until I reached my dad's room. The smell of cigarette s