He’s silent a moment. ‘I don’t know. What would you say to him?’
This time when I lick my lips I taste salt. ‘Why didn’t you ask me to go with you when you left?’
‘Wait. Are you asking your dad this question or me?’
I blink. ‘Dad… I think.’
He sighs. ‘Did you want to go with him?’
The fog of alcohol is making it difficult to remember. ‘I don’t think so. I just wanted him to ask, wanted to see his struggle.’
‘Well, maybe he struggles inwardly, like his daughters.’
I close my eyes and feel the lure of sleep.
‘Annie.’
‘Mm?’
‘I need you to go have a drink of water, then go put yourself to bed,’ he says. ‘Can you do that?’
I nod.
‘Annie.’
‘Yeah, I can do that.’
I hear him exhale again. ‘Get some sleep, and I’ll call you tomorrow.’
I miss you. ‘Okay.’