I try to picture my little sister running around with a rifle and think I might throw up, but I keep my expression natural. This isn’t about me. It’s about her.
“More than anything. You know me, you know how long I wanted it. I tried to fake some enthusiasm for college because it’s what you and our parents want. But the thought of heading back to the classroom is slowly killing me, Banner.”
“Alright.”
“I swear to you I didn’t make this decision lightly. I know this is not what you—wait, what?”
“I said alright. If this is what you want, and it means this much to you, then I’m with you all the way.”
She jumps up from her seat and runs around the table so she can throw herself into my arms. “I love you. “
“Right back at ya, kid,” I choke out. This is going to kill me, but I’m still gonna stand back and let her do it.
When she lets me go, she drags her seat over so she can sit closer. “I have something else I want to tell you.”
“Should I brace myself?”
“Maybe, I don’t know. This was in the mailbox today.”
I take the envelope she hands me and see her name written on the front in my father’s handwriting. I open it up and scan the letter. There isn’t much to it.
Katy,
Your mother and I are leaving. In fact, by the time you read this letter, we should be gone. We can’t stay in Tempest, not now, not after everything. I’ll arrange for the house to be put on the market remotely, and I’ll hire professionals to come in and pack up our belongings. If you want to take anything from your room, now would be the time to do it.
I’m sorry things turned out this way. I didn’t know how bad it had gotten, and what I did notice, I turned a blind eye to. For what it’s worth, I do love you. I hope you find happiness in whatever you choose to do with your life. You’re bright, beautiful, and loyal. I know it doesn’t mean much after everything, but I’m so proud of you.
Take care.
Dad.
I hand it back to her as she watches me expectantly.
“You want help packing anything up? I can get the boys round to help.”
“Yeah, Banner, that would be great,” she whispers.
“I’m sorry. I don’t even know what to say right now. I’m assuming there was no letter for me?”
She shakes her head. “They’re cowards, aren’t they?”
“Yeah. But I can’t say I’m surprised that they’d rather run than try and fix things.”
“They’re never coming back, are they?”
“I don’t know, Katy. I really don’t.”
“I don’t know why they stay together. They don’t even sleep in the same bed.”
“Lots of couples sleep in separate rooms for lots of different reasons.”
“He’s having an affair.”
“What?”
She nods, looking down at the table. “I caught him on the phone and heard Mom yelling at him. It’s not the first time, and I doubt it will be the last. I just don’t know why he stays and why she lets him. Why not just leave and put everyone out of their misery?”
Still reeling from her words, I look back and realize all the signs were there. I just chose not to see them.
