Page 4 of The Broken Note

My sister is missing.

“Have you seen Viola?” I cry, trying to keep my voice steady and failing.

Night has fallen. The shadows are thick around my neighborhood. Dark clouds choke out the stars so all I can see when I lift my head is a heavy smog.

“Vi? No.” He sounds surprised.

“If you see her, call me right away,” I beg. I’m frantic. Desperate. It escapes in my voice, but I don’t even care.

My sister is missing.

Four hours ago, Viola thought mom was dead. Now, mom is walking, talking and turning our lives upside down like she used to.

I don’t know what an impulsive teenager reeling with shock, anger, and frustration might do.

Scream?

Rage?

Throw a tantrum?

Fine.

She can do all that.

Withme.

Atme.

I don’t care.

I just don’t want her to get hurt.

My sister is the most important person in the world to me. If I lose her, no—I won’t think like that.

If even the smallest hair on her head is harmed, it’ll be my fault.

“Please,” I add. My fingers tremble and the cell phone almost slips out of my hand. “Please. If she calls you, tell me.”

“Brahms, where are you?” Dutch’s voice is velvet-steel.

My heart pounds.

My head is swimming.

There’s a relentless and pulsing fear blossoming in my stomach. Every part of me is aching with anxiety.

Viola, where are you?

“Cadence!” Dutch calls my name more forcefully.

I snap back to myself.

“I’m…” I inhale a shaky breath. “I’m in front of the convenience store in my neighborhood.”

“Stay there.”

My eyebrows tighten and I straighten instantly. “I’m not staying here. I need to find my sister.”

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