ton

Atlantic, Bon

nd she was tired of her games. She squirmed on

home, to have Danika

The screen lit up with a message from Mrs. Sulliv

tacts list. An idea, sneaky and brilli

w tones about logistics, Bonnie quietl

sscode. It was

She would call Mom. Just for a second. To see if she answer

call button next

e of panic washed over her. What if Mom did answer?

"end call" button w

r fidgeting

d, gently taking it from her. I saw th

l but sharp, went through me. I had been so caught up, I ha

o Mommy?" I asked, my v

ok her head, mumbling into her che

tion. I was used to her childish whims.

rea

ment in California, it

amless sleep, the fi

my phone on the night

disorientation. The screen glowed with a name I

ton

could even process it enou

d call.

racing. Braxton never called.

nn

was wrong

ed me. I started to hit redial, then st

had planned. A panicked call at three in the morning would tell Braxton

d behind my eyes. I couldn't breathe around the th

lenched.

t re

t straight t

ed is unavailable or has trave

as in Switzerla

ng of my heart. My mind spiraled, conjuring images of skiing

all living room li

't just sit here, drowning in anxi

lled through my contacts, my

Sul

and dialed, praying

ond ring, her voice war

ep my voice from shaking. "I'm sorry to call so ea

ther end of the line. Mrs.

message not long ago. They're on the plane, on their way ba

t me like a

on their

fa, the phone stil

re comi

wasn't