I’m currently on administrative leave, which I’m grateful for, since I’m still getting paid as if I were working my normal hours.
It does make me feel guilty, but Dr. Yadav assured me it’s for the best, and I trust him. He’s probably one of the only people, aside from my sister, I trust without question.
And, of course, Keoni.
Yes, even him—I trust him, even if he clearly detests me right now.
After taking a strangely cold shower in the upstairs bathroom and crawling into bed, which is horribly uncomfortable, my phone buzzes. I’ve been avoiding it, afraid it’ll be Michael.
I debate leaving it alone until morning because I want to sleep, but the fear of ignoring him is stronger than the dread of responding.
I grab the cell from the side table, place it on the bed, and tap the screen. I’m surprised that the message is from an unknown number.
Though, not entirely upset about it.
Unknown number
It’s me
Me? Ominous
Unknown number
Keoni.
Ah, thanks for clarifying
Can’t be talking with strangers out here
Keo
May as well be
Send me the information, I’m going to call the lawyer tomorrow
Maybe I’m overthinking this, but he definitely could have texted me in the morning. I’m analyzing it, turning it over in my mind, but the thought that he might be thinking about me at a completely random time does something it shouldn’t to my chest.
I quickly shoot him over Travis’s information.
Keo
Thanks.
What’re you doing?
There are no bubbles that pop up, and while I hope for a response, none comes. I stare at my phone for a little longer before placing it back on the charger, switching onDo Not Disturb, and rolling onto my side.
Clover is already fast asleep on this twin-size bed.
I opted to take the upstairs room because the one next to Keoni’s is our parents’. If he’s not in there, I know I shouldn’t be. One glance tells me he hasn’t touched or moved anything. Inevitably, one of us will have to clean it at some point—maybe I’ll take that burden off him. He’s taken care of the rest of the cabin. It’s the least I can do.
I can’t be fucking useless like I have been lately…
Closing my eyes, I try to clear my mind. I miss real sleep more than I’ll ever admit to anyone. It’s been years since I’ve had a full night’s rest, even if I’m perpetually tired.
I miss them so much. Dad. Leilani. This wouldn’t be any different from the past eight years. I’d have gone another holiday without them, but yet it feels like they’re unreachable—like there’s nowhere I could go to find them.
Which is my reality. I can’t call my dad or my stepmom for support.
