Page 50 of Damsel in Disguise

It feels so absurd, as if I had a sudden time jump into the future. But who has that kind of pull? Who has enough authority to keep the Keinstons calm?

My thumb hovers over my phone screen before I unlock it, only to be utterly surprised.

No avalanche of missed calls.

No emergency notifications.

No incoming panic.

No news alerts with my face attached to words like tragedy or disappearance.

Instead, there are messages from my family. The most bothersome part is that these are normal messages. I tap into our family group chat first.

Mom: Hope you’re finally resting well.

Mom: Take as much time as you need.

Mom: We’ve got you, sweetheart

Dad: Security briefed, my little princess.

Dad: Don’t stress about anything. Just focus on recovering.

Mom: Yes, your Daddy took care of everything, dearest.

Asher: First of all…

Asher: How the FUCK did you get into a bike accident??

Asher: The last time I was talking to her she was mentioning some academic bullshit.

Dad: Language, Asher.

Asher: Oh, now you’re taking her side?! Wow!

Asher: She better actually stay offline this time, or I’m gonna put her permanently off the line.

Dad removed Asher

Mom added Asher

Mom: You two stop, or I’m leaving the group.

I can’t focus on our family banter because of how my stomach is twisting from the truth they don’t know yet. And we’re Keinston.

I scroll up further. There are also a few well-wishing messages from Adrian as well.

Five weeks ago, there was a message sent from my number to the family group chat.

Me: Got into a minor bike accident. Nothing serious though. Doctor’s orders are full rest and zero screentime. Going off-grid for rehab and physiotherapy. Visitors aren’t allowed. But don’t overreact. I’ll keep y’all updated as much as I can. Love you <3

I don’t remember typing that.

And then there are short and sparse follow-up messages from my side.

Me: Shoulder worse than expected.

Me: Still healing.