But she’s here. In our home. In our beds. And with each passing day, she’s sinking deeper into this life we’ve offered her.
Her phone buzzes on the table, and she glances at the screen before silencing it.
“That’s the fourth call this morning,” I observe.
She sets down her fork. “I know.”
“Your boss?” Dad asks, not looking up from his tablet.
“Yes.”
“You’ve been avoiding him for over a week,” I continue. “At some point, you’ll need to deal with that.”
Samantha’s jaw tightens. “I know that too.”
The phone buzzes again. Same number.
Kai reaches across and flips it face down. “Just answer and get it over with. The guy’s clearly not giving up.”
She picks up the phone and stares at it as if it might bite her. Then she stands and walks toward the windows, pressing accept.
“Hi, David.” Her voice is tight. “I know. I’m sorry I haven’t?—”
We can’t hear the other side, but we can see her shoulders tense as her boss apparently unleashes whatever frustration has been building.
“I understand that you need—” She tries to interrupt. “David, please?—”
More silence while he talks.
“I’m not coming back right after Christmas. Something came up and?—”
Her boss cuts her off again, and I see her hand tighten on the phone.
“That’s not fair. I’ve been with the firm for three years. I’ve never taken more than a few days off?—”
Whatever he says next makes her face go pale.
“You can’t do that. I have contracts—” Pause. “David, please. If you’ll just let me explain?—”
She’s losing ground. I can see it in the way she’s holding herself. The way her voice is getting smaller with each interruption.
Dad catches my eye, and I see the calculation there. He’s thinking the same thing I am.
“I’ll call you back,” Samantha says finally. “I need to think—” But her boss has already hung up.
She stands there for a long moment, staring at the phone.
“What did he say?” Dad’s voice is calm.
She turns, and I see frustration and fear warring on her face. “That if I’m not back in the office by January second, I don’t have a job anymore. They’re already interviewing replacements.”
“Can he do that?” Kai asks.
“Technically, I’m on unauthorized leave.” She sinks back into her chair. “I was supposed to be back last week. He’s been covering my accounts, but he says clients are asking questions.”
“So go back.” I keep my tone neutral. “Handle it.”
She looks at me like I suggested she jump off a cliff. “I don’t want to go back.”
