You’d be so pretty if you just…
I rub my thumb over the strap of my bag until it hurts.
Knox’s jaw works once, like he’s thinking.
His hand tightens on the wheel.
“What’s in the bag?” he asks, and his tone shifts just enough that my heart kicks.
I blink. “What?”
He keeps his eyes on the road. “You’ve been holding it like it’s the last thing you own.”
My mouth goes dry.
I should tell him.
Shouldn’t I?
But the flash drive feels like a secret now. Like the second I say it out loud, it becomes real in a way I’m not ready for.
And it’s my father’s. It’s his life. His world. A world he never brought home.
“I…” My thoughts scatter. I can’t find a clean explanation that doesn’t sound insane.
Knox’s gaze flicks toward me, sharp. “Sierra.”
Just my name, but it lands like a warning.
I swallow. “It’s… nothing. Just my stuff. Keys. Wallet.”
A lie layered on a lie.
He watches me for half a second longer than comfortable. Then he looks back at the road.
“Alright,” he says, like he doesn’t believe me but he’s letting it go for now.
My phone vibrates in my lap.
The sound is loud, like the universe is laughing at my attempt at control.
I stare at the screen.
Uncle Dave.
I haven’t talked to him since the funeral. Not really. Not beyond a few stiff texts that said nothing because I didn’t know how to say anything.
My thumb hovers over the green button.
Knox glances over. His eyes narrow slightly.
“Who is it?” he asks.
“Dave,” I say, and my voice cracks. “My… uncle.”
I answer.
“Hey,” I whisper, like I’m afraid the sound will break me.
