is a diplomat who spends most of his time in Brussels and is rarely home. Her mother is a renowned artist who’s usually locked in her studio, so Kim has become a grown-up since Kirian was born eight years ago.
She’s not only his eldest sister, but she’s also his mother and father and best friend. She always said that she doesn’t want him to feel the emptiness she felt while growing up.
Aunt and I prepare dinner together. I barely listen to her and tell her about my day at school.
I’m distracted out of my mind.
“Is there something on your phone?” Aunt asks with a suspicious tone when I check it for the millionth time in the past hour.
I force a smile. “No, nothing.”
Absolute desert.
Aiden didn’t send any of his night texts.
I’ll loosen him up.
Silver’s voice wraps a noose around my neck. My fingers itch and my hands feel dirty even though I just washed them.
I put them underneath the water in the sink then pull back when I notice Aunt watching me.
She knows I only get obsessive about washing my hands when I’m anxious.
“I’m heading to the grocery store,” I blurt to dissipate her attention.
“What for?”
“I ran out of tampons,” I say the first thing that comes into mind.
“But you’re not on your period, honey?”
“I’ll be in a few days. You know I like being prepared.” I’m already heading to the door.
“Elsie.”
“Yeah?” I throw over my shoulder.
Aunt Blair waves a bill. “You forgot the money.”
“Right.” I offer an awkward smile and take the bill from her.
“And wear a sweater. It’s chilly outside.”
“Yes, Aunt,” I call from the doorway.
“Hurry back.”
Shoving my feet into flats, I throw a thin sweater over my black cotton dress on which is written ‘Comfy at Home’. It’s similar to an oversized T-shirt that stops at my knees.
The moment I’m out of the house, the first drops of rain hit my nose and lashes. I could’ve gone back for the umbrella, but I don’t.
Instead, I let my legs take reign.
I run down the empty, lit streets as hard and as fast as I can. The night’s chill slaps me across the face and the rain soaks me in seconds.
But it isn’t enough.
There’s a weight on my chest.