Present day
I break myself out of my reverie. Jesus. How long has it been since I thought about that day? Things only went from bad to worse, and Haze left. It was meant to be a break, but our differences and my stubbornness proved to be too much for the both of us.
Back then, I was angry. I guess a part of me still is, but I’ve learned to live with it. I didn’t know it then, but I was suffering from anxiety. Something I wasn’t diagnosed with until a few years ago.
Life felt out of control. I was out of control. Frustration was an everyday occurrence, and worry morphed into irritability, which in turn overwhelmed me. Everything boiled over and I snapped at the people I cared about the most. I’ve never reallystood up to my dad, not that he’d bat an eyelid if I did. I’ve always just accepted that he is the way he is, and he cares underneath.
While I’ve come to accept Haze didn’t run away entirely, I wished he’d fought for us. I wish I had too. I also sometimes catch myself wondering what could’ve been.
I’m about to pack up for the day when my phone pings.
Dad
I’ll be a little late for dinner. Meet you at the restaurant at 8?
I sigh. It’s been a long day, but I still need to get a workout in, shower, and get ready.
Me
Fine, Dad. See you then
I turn the lights off in my office and head out.
My phone pings again, and I glance at it as I make my way through the building.
Anonymous
Hey, sis
I come to a full stop. What the hell? Scrambling to type back, I tap out a message.
Me
Max? Where the hell are you?
Anonymous
Look up
I do. I see my brother in the doorway of the precinct, leaning against the wall, grinning haphazardly. I blink as if I’m seeing things. I haven’t seen him for two years.
“Max?” I yell across the room.
He shrugs, his brown curls bouncing as he shifts off the doorframe. “What, no tearful greeting?”
I shake my head, ready to slap him.‘What the fuck?’I mouth.
“Surprise!” He embraces me as I stumble into his arms.
“Max, what are you doing here?” I muffle against his shoulder. My brother is huge, like my dad, I sadly didn’t get the tall gene of the family. “Where have you been?” “Gettin’ my life together, sis.”
I pull back and he holds me at arm’s length. “Let me take a look at you.”
“You sound like fricking grandma, and she’s been dead for ten years.”
“You’re mad, and you have every right to be.” I punch him on the arm, then I do it again.
“Ow, that hurt!” He rubs his bicep as I stand with my hands on my hips. “Don’t be mad.”
