Chapter 5

My father’s screenshots were still open on my phone when my mother invited me to a “family talk” at four.

She, my father, Aaron, and Naomi would all be there.

They wanted to “talk things through as a family.”

I didn’t reply.

I texted Aaron instead.

I’m coming for my things at eleven. Leave the door open.

His answer came quickly.

We could talk together this afternoon.

I wrote back two words.

Not coming.

At eleven sharp, I stood outside Aaron’s apartment.

The door was unlocked.

Four cardboard boxes sat beside the entryway, each with my name written on it.