Chapter 4

On the day I left, Lily was already setting up her phone in the living room.

“Claire, six o’clock tonight. Nobody’s allowed to be late.”

She blocked the box on the table.

“Round two of the surprise. Even better than last time.”

Mom came out with fruit.

“Don’t go too far this time. Your sister was really mad the other day.”

She started laughing before she even finished.

Lily spun the phone mount.

“Relax. When has she ever stayed mad for more than two days?”

Dad turned a page of the newspaper.

“When she was little, she said she’d run away. She got to the end of the street and came back.”

I was nine that year.

They took Lily out for her birthday and forgot me at home. I had no key and no money, so I waited by the door until dark.

All he remembered was that I came back on my own.

Rowan came over to take my suitcase.

“Come on. I’ll drive you to drop your stuff off.”

“No need. I called a car.”

Mom checked the time.

“Moving in is fine, but remember to come back for dinner tonight.”

“Before six!” Lily added.

I set the paper bag on the cabinet by the door.

“Rowan, this is for you.”

He was watching Lily adjust the camera and didn’t even turn his head.

“Leave it there.”

As the car pulled out of the neighborhood, Noah texted.

“When you get to the station tonight, take the east exit. I’ll pick you up. I’ve got your dorm key.”

I replied, “Thanks. See you tonight.”

Mom sent a voice message right after.

“On your way back, pick up the pumpkin pie your dad ordered.”

Lily added another message.

“And an apple pie. Rowan likes it.”

I closed the chat.

Before I got on the train, Rowan called.

“Where are you? I’ve been home for a while and you’re not here.”

“I’m not coming over today.”

“Still mad?”

The announcement started calling for ticket checks.

“You’re out?” He heard it, and before I could answer, he went on. “Getting some air is fine. Just come back early tonight. Lily’s been working on this all day. She’ll be disappointed if you don’t play along.”

I handed my ticket to the attendant.

“Remember to grab the paper bag on the cabinet.”

“What’s in it, anyway?”

“You’ll see.”

I hung up and found a window seat.

As the train started moving, a poll popped up in the family group chat.

“What time will Claire give up and come home tonight?”

Rowan picked seven.

Dad picked seven thirty.

Mom picked eight.

I didn’t say anything. I left the family location sharing.

All the orders were processed. The shared planning account had been unlinked.

At the same time, at the top of Rowan’s phone screen, a wedding cancellation confirmation email popped up.