Page 19 of Withered

I understand what he is trying to say.

“Okay, do as you please. But let me warn you: if you do something bad, I will hire a personal killer and make you vanish.” I tell him jokingly. However, I will not be doing any of it.

He chuckles at my words, “Yes ma’am.”

For the rest of the class, we talk about random things, occasionally listening to Professor Caleb.

Even though Tyler seems like an easygoing guy, I can’t help but feel uneasy, especially when the matter involves Kristy. He just moved here, and we don’t know much about him. Sure, he is great to talk to or maybe even hang out with as a person, but that’s it.

I can’t help but remember how amazing Kristy and Aaron were before everything went downhill. I can’t let it happen all over again. And that’s what stays on my mind for the remaining day at school.

When I get back home, I’m surprised to see Dad on the couch with a book and coffee. With his work keeping him busy, I don’t get to see him often. Even with his schedule, he makes sure to make time for me. It’s good for Mom because they get to see each other at the hospital.

“Hey, Dad.” I smile and walk toward him.

His eyes meet mine, and a smile takes over his lips. He sets the book down and opens his arm, saying, “Hi, kiddo.”

I run over into his embrace and kiss him on the cheek. Placing my backpack on the floor, I sit with him. How I love moments like these.

“How has school been?” He asks.

So I tell him, and he tells me how hard his work has been and how he saved a child at the last minute. Anytime we have leisure time together, my parents tell me hospital stories. Like when a child is born and the entire ward is overjoyed to receive a new life, or how sad they all become when someone dies.

People sometimes think doctors are heartless because they leave an operating room saying,“I’m sorry, we couldn’t save them.”But we have to understand that they are humans too. I remember years ago when Dad came home late at night and cried because he couldn’t save a girl’s life.

“So, I heard we’ve got new neighbors, and you already had dinner with them.” He laughs. I know exactly what he is trying to say here.

“Yeah, Mom invited them yesterday. You know how excited she gets over these things,” I say.

I excuse myself to freshen up, change into comfortable clothes, and head downstairs to the kitchen to get a glass of water. I was almost done when Dad strolls in.

“I’ve got to go to the hospital, kiddo.” Guilt was evident in his eyes. I hate it when he leaves me.

I smile weakly. “It’s okay, Dad.”

He walks up to me and gently kisses my forehead. “Take care. Your mom will be back soon.”

“You too,” I say, and just like that, he leaves.

I lock the door and go to my room to read my novel. I peek through the curtains to check if Jake is home. When I see his window is closed, I slide my curtains down, open the window, and settle on the bean bag. This is my favorite spot, but I love it even more when it’s raining and I’m sipping coffee.

I get so lost in the fictional world that I don’t even realize it is almost 6:30 p.m. My phone was silent the entire time, so I picked it up and scanned through the messages, finding one from an unknown number. I opened it first.

Unknown:Hey, I know we talked today, but still, I want to ask you if I could take Kristy out. - T

I chuckle but smile. He shouldn’t need my permission, but I’ll give him extra points just for asking me.

Me:Hey! Where did you get my number from?

I save his number and check other messages until he replies.

Tyler:I have my sources.

Me:Yes.

I haven’t eaten anything, and Mom isn’t home yet. I go downstairs to the kitchen and gather all of the stuff for pancakes. Mom is a great cook, so she taught me how to prepare far too many dishes.

I was in the middle of mixing the batter when the doorbell rang. I frown, thinking who it could be because if it’s Mom, she has the keys. I quickly wash my hands and rush to the door.

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