Page 126 of Introvert

My eyes snapped to his, and he was looking back at me with a sleepy smile.

"Hey, Ror."

"Hey, Dad," I croaked.

"When did you get here?"

"Just now."

"I thought you were on tour with that band."

"I was. I am. I just…wanted to see you."

Dad lifted a brow. "Well? How do I look?"

"Terrible," I said with a watery laugh. "But good too. I missed you."

"Oh, I missed you too." He frowned. "Baby, are you crying?"

I opened my mouth to respond, but Mom stirred, lifted her head. She saw Dad first and smiled, then her eyes landed on me.She blinked.

"Am I dreaming?" she said.

I shook my head.

Mom looked at Dad, who grinned.

"It's not a dream, Lil," he said."Our daughter came home."

"Why?" Mom asked.

I shrugged. "Freya told me what happened with Dad. Iwas worried, wanted to check on him."

"What she's saying," Dad said, "is I'm the favorite."

Mom waved him off. "Sure you are, Clayton. We already knew that."

Her eyes stayed on me, examining my features.

"What is it, Mom?" I said.

"I feel like I haven't seen you in years," she said."You look different."

I rolled my eyes. "It's only been a few weeks."

"She cried every night, Ror," Dad said.

"Your father's obviously still high on the meds they've been giving him," Mom said to which Dad laughed quietly. "But Aurora,that's why I didn't say anything on the phone. You're supposed to be out there, conquering the musical world. Not here worrying about us."

"Too late," I said.

"Will you get in trouble?"

"I don't know. I hope not."

"But the tour…"

"Isn't as important as being here."Her eyes were teary, and mine were too. "It's good to see you, Mom."

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