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“Maybe.” I shrug. “I want the next few weeks to go by smoothly. I’m nervous that contacting her will result in drama. And I was kind of waiting to see if she’d reach out, you know? I’m sure Chris told her I’ve returned.”

I try not to let it affect me too much. Although I feel deep resentment toward my family, I still feel hurt that I’ve been in town for a couple weeks and none of them have asked to see me.

“Think about it. You can always call me.”

“Thanks, I appreciate that.” I give her a weak smile.

“When are you heading back? I can’t believe you drove almost six hours just because Mira injured her arm during a fistfight at school.”

I laugh. “You sounded pretty upset on the phone. It’s her first cast. I wanted to make sure I signed it. It’s no big deal. I like being there for you. You’re family, after all.”

“And we appreciate that. But you don’t always have to inconvenience yourself for others. I’m sure a FaceTime session with you would’ve been enough for her.”

“I don’t inconvenience myself for others.”

“You agreed to spend a whole summer in a place that gives you the hives for an unpaid party planning gig.”

“It’s important to Darlene.”

She raises her eyebrows at me.

She has a point, but what was I supposed to do? Tell my great-aunt no? I still don’t know if she’s hiding some underlying health issues, and I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t fulfill her wish.

“You’re a good person. But really, stop dropping your life for others.”

“Basically what you are saying is that you don’t want me here?” I tease.

“Yes, that is exactly what I’m saying.” She rolls her eyes.

“It worked out.” I run my hand through my hair. “I need to take some things to Cottondale. I didn’t expect to stay there long, so I didn’t pack accordingly. I meant to come back and grab some stuff anyway, so this was a perfect opportunity.”

Sarah nods.

I’m lying. I did not plan to come here and grab a few things, but now that I’m here, I might as well.

And she’s right. I didn’t need to come all this way for an arm injury. Especially since she told me not to come on the phone. But I would feel like a bad person if I didn’t come check on Mira in person. I can’t help but feel that if I don’t put others first, it makes me selfish and entitled. And if I’m being completely honest? I feel guilty for leaving for the entire summer. When I said goodbye to Mira, I thought I was only going to be gone for a few days. Not that I think she cares much. She basically sees me as an annoying older brother.

But Mira deserves people who prioritize her. And it didn’t cost me anything to come here.

Other than bailing on Robin.

I exhale deeply.

“Want to stay for a bit?” Sarah sinks deeper into the couch.

“No, I should go. I’m exhausted. But see you guys tomorrow?”

“Sure.” She gets up to walk me to the door. “When do you leave?”

“Probably the day after tomorrow. Lots of work to do.”

We hug goodbye, and I drive to my apartment. It’s already dark, and my back hurts from all the driving. I can’t wait to lie down and fall asleep.

But when I get to my apartment, something feels off. I’ve been gone for less than two weeks, but there’s a coldness and unfamiliarity that lingers in the room. A strange sensation of disconnect flutters through my veins as I slowly drift off into dreamland.

Maybe it’s the unfinished business I have in Cottondale.

Maybe it’s my body knowing I’ll only be here for two nights before I leave again.