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I took a deep breath. Then another. Moving my arm in the light.

Calm. I needed to find calm. My breath hitched.

God, everything hurt. I just wanted it to stop, but checking out wasn’t the answer. I knew it down to my soul..

I had to push through.

But how?

I hated waking up. Sleep was so much better. I felt tears trying to form behind my dry eyes, but there weren’t any. I’d used them all up.

I rolled over in the hotel bed, conscious of the fact that Zarek had to have carried me after my freak-out. I clamped my hand over my wrist. I couldn’t keep looking at it. If I considered the ultimate escape after every crazy episode, how would I ever improve my score on Candy Crush?

I snorted out a laugh.

Great, I can’t even laugh like a normal person.

I heard a commotion from the other room. Two voices— a man and a woman yelling. I crept out of bed and went to the door to listen. It was Trenda doing the yelling and she sounded out of control. Maybe it was in the blood.

“You are out of your mind! You are not taking Chloe to Dallas!”

“She needs some time away.” Zarek’s voice rumbled like low thunder.

“She needs her family,” Trenda countered.

“Like we’ve been any help,” Zoe said. “She’s locked us out of her life. Literally.”

“I don’t care what you say, she’s coming home with me.”

It was funny hearing Zarek use such a commanding voice with Trenda. When he used his steely voice with me, it was always laced with more caring and kindness, with Trenda it was razor sharp.

“Zoe shouldn’t have called you,” Trenda said. “We’ll take care of her. We’ll get her into counseling. We’ll get her fixed.”

With that last phrase, I felt like I’d been gut shot. It hurt to think that my sister saw me as something that needed to be fixed, like some broken piece of furniture.

“For the love of God, listen to yourself,” Zarek roared. “Chloe needs time, space and care. She needs somebody with her who understands her and will listen to her, not someone who thinks she needs to be fixed!”

“I didn’t mean it like that. She’s been hurting for so long, and I just want what’s best for her.”

“Zarek, don’t yell at Trenda. You know she’s only trying to help. It just came out wrong,” Zoe intervened.

“She’s coming to Dallas.”

I went back to bed and slipped under the covers, holding my wrist.

Dallas. It was something to consider.

Maybe it’s my way to escape.

***

Chloe

“Chloe?”

I looked up and saw Zoe standing at the door to the bedroom. She looked guilty. My sister was so easy to read.

“Can I come in?”