nightstand, a harsh soun

morn

mach t

an untraceable number

te

take th

t t

eath

i

to be

anished three years ago,

an away, couldn't

ht it, the whole

neve

uldn't

se, a solemn, t

more important

I knew he was still

f bed, phone c

to sho

nearly tripping

om

already dressed, a str

with that? You know the r

was sharp,

Mom,

out the

, give it t

r it, her fing

asn't

message, was supposed to be of

urner I kept hidde

ing out the small, worn wooden cat Mi

o her hand inste

mbled, "my l

er phone deep int

d at the

ftened, the

' s not coming back. Y

lled in

with him, it'

uickly, her fac

on't you dare mention his name today, no

e rose t

on your

e wooden cat o

ur father will be

way, her sho

hand on her head, a st

t what' s best f

suddenly sma

, like a swi