I clench my fist repeatedly as I breathe deeply, trying to calm down, because sometimes everything gets so overwhelming I can’t breathe. My life used to be easy, then Misty went missing and everything turned to shit. There’s this lingering anger and bitterness toward everyone who has brought pain to Zara.
“Have you given any thought to enlisting yet?” Mom asks, causing my body to freeze.
I glare at her. It’s not the right time to talk about this. I considered it before Misty’s disappearance because I was never interested in the casino or managing any other business. That’s what Kane wants to do, not me. I want to do something I’m proud of, but I’m not leaving Zara and her family now. They need me.
John frowns but Helen’s eyes are wide. “When are you going to do that?” Helen asks.
I shake my head. “I’m not going anywhere.” Zara needs me... my brother needs me.
“Knox has always wanted to join,” Mom adds.
My mouth tightens and my eyes dart to the stairs, checking that Zara isn’t around. I’ve never spoken to Zara about my thoughts of joining the military because it means I would be away from her for long periods over many years. Now I definitely can’t go, and I don’t want Helen and John thinking I’ll desert them and Zara during this. I’m not like everybody else.
“I know you feel like you have to stay for Zara, but you can follow your career in the military if that’s what you want. Misty will be back soon, you’ll see,” Helen says.
I hope she’s right, but I would never have thought Misty would leave.
Everyone stops talking as the doctor enters the room. He looks at us and shakes his head. He’s frowning. “It’s my professional opinion that Zara should seek ongoing treatment. She’s experiencing a nervous breakdown, considering all you described.” He looks at Zara’s parents, then me. “The stress of her sister’s disappearance has caused anxiety and depression, which has made her isolate herself here at her home.
“She’s not eating or sleeping well or looking after herself. I took a blood test to see, but she may need IV fluid if she isn’t drinking any water. I have prescribed her anxiety and antidepressant tablets for the morning and an antipsychotic to help her calm down at night. However, I think it’s best Zara goes to a facility where she can get twenty-four-hour care.”
The blood drains from my face. John is nodding, whereas Helen has tears in her eyes again.
“Is the stress why Zara has also been losing so much hair?” Helen asks.
I flinch. I noticed that too.
“Yes,” the doctor replies.
Mom puts her hand on Helen’s arm. “That medical treatment center I was telling you about has the best resources money can buy, and I want that for Zara. I told you I’d pay for it, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.”
“It’s a bit soon to be discussing that, don’t you think?” Irritation infuses my tone. “I’m here. I can make sure she takes her tablets.”
I look between Helen and John. “Let me help her, please,” I beg. No offense to them, but they are struggling as well. I can look after Zara. “What if Misty comes back? Zara won’t leave, not now.”
I don’t mention that she hates when I have to leave her too, even for short periods, but I believe I can be there for her, be what she needs.
Helen bobs her head and peers at me. “It does seem too early, but it’s something we can look at if she gets worse.”
“These are the prescriptions.” The doctor leans over with a piece of paper in his hand. Helen takes it from him. “There are instructions on how much she is to take of each tablet and for how long. You’ll see that there is a gradual increase with each medication. If Zara gets worse or has any severe side effects, please call me.”
“Thanks,” Mom says to the Pratts’ family doctor. “I’ll pay for any and all of Zara’s expenses.”
“We can’t allow you to do that,” John replies sharply.
Mom lifts her chin. “You can, and you will. Let me pay Zara’s medical bills. You just focus on your family.”
There’s no fight in Zara’s parents. They look as exhausted as I feel.
After the doctor leaves, Helen turns to my mom and asks, “Has there been any update from the private investigator?”
“None. I have spoken to the local police that are managing the case and who we have in our pockets. One said that because she is over eighteen, Misty legally doesn’t have to return home. So unless there’s proof that there was an involuntary disappearance, there’s not a lot else they can do.”
I slam my fist on the table. “That’s bullshit!”
Helen jumps, so I soften my tone. “Sorry.”
I didn’t mean to snap, but we’ve done more investigation than the police and that so-called investigator have done. It’s us who have called businesses and people, put up posters, offered rewards. What have they done? Interviewed people... and what? Checked Misty’s phone records and laptop to tell us what we already know—that no signs led up to her disappearance?
