CHAPTER NINTEEN

“Hey.” I tried to sound as nonchalant as possible as I stepped into the living room. It was quiet even with Uncle Al at home who had his attention on his phone. 

Father glowered when he saw me but said nothing. The slap of his slippers followed him as he returned to the kitchen with a cup of latte. 

“How was your stroll?” Uncle Al asked once Dad was out of earshot.

“Okay, I guess.”

“You guess? What happened?”

I shrugged and made for my room. The familiarity in its safety lifted a weight off my shoulders. I climbed into bed and its familiar smell. Before I knew it, I was asleep.

When I came to, it was evening and Father prepared dinner. I freshened up and changed into an old t-shirt and shorts. I headed out, skipping along the house and humming a song under my breath. 

“What you watching?” I asked Uncle Al after placing a quick kiss on his cheek.&n