Thirty-six: Stranger

“Avery? Dad!”

For a few minutes no one spoke, even though the three of us were already in that room. Even though I was just looking at Kuya Jac and daddy, my heart was full of speculations.

I can not believe what’s happening. I can’t. . . and will never accept these.

In what ways was daddy involved in the murder of Cormac’s parents fifteen years ago?

“Avery. . . ”

“Please don’t act like this,” I said bluntly. “Please tell me I am imagining things!”

Kuya Jac was the one I tried to face this time. Frustration was clear on his face. Fear of what I might say, do, and think. “What is this? Is this what you are hiding from me?”

The words tangled at the tip of my tongue. I can’t seem to mutter a word.

“Kuya, Daddy, what’s this? Why is it like this? How did it happen?!”

I must be dreaming! My daddy w