“I had to take care of some things.”
“And?” I demand. “Are you all right? Father hasn’t found you yet, has it?”
“Not yet. I explained everything to my landlord, and it turns out that his mom had been in an abusive relationship, so he’s going to do what he can to throw your father off my scent if he does come around.”
“And where are you going?”
“I’ll be leaving in thirty minutes.”
“To where?”
She says nothing.
“I know you think it’s best if no one knows, but, Mom, frankly, I was afraid you were going to kill yourself, and if you had… I need to know where you are. Kyle and I deserve to know.”
“I’m heading to Ireland.”
“Where in Ireland?”
“I’ll let you know once I’m there and settled,” she says.
“Are you flying into Belfast?”
“Yes.”
“How long is the flight?”
“About an hour and a half.”
“Okay.” My mind races. “As soon as you land, make sure you turn on your phone, okay?”
“I will.”
“And answer your phone!”
“Yes, Mom,” she jokes.
I groan. “Please.”
“We’re going to be boarding any second now. I should go.”
“Mom, wait. Are you scared?”
She doesn’t answer.
“Mom?”
“I’ve been scared for a long while now. It’s my default.”
“I won’t let you continue to be afraid,” I promise her.
“You can’t guarantee that.”
“Just you wait and see. I love you, Mom.”
“I wish you didn’t have to worry about me.”
“Then answer your damn phone!”