ton
Atlantic, Bon
nd she was tired of her games. She squirmed on
home, to have Danika
The screen lit up with a message from Mrs. Sulliv
tacts list. An idea, sneaky and brilli
w tones about logistics, Bonnie quietl
sscode. It was
She would call Mom. Just for a second. To see if she answer
call button next
e of panic washed over her. What if Mom did answer?
"end call" button w
r fidgeting
d, gently taking it from her. I saw th
l but sharp, went through me. I had been so caught up, I ha
o Mommy?" I asked, my v
ok her head, mumbling into her che
tion. I was used to her childish whims.
rea
ment in California, it
amless sleep, the fi
my phone on the night
disorientation. The screen glowed with a name I
ton
could even process it enou
d call.
racing. Braxton never called.
nn
was wrong
ed me. I started to hit redial, then st
had planned. A panicked call at three in the morning would tell Braxton
d behind my eyes. I couldn't breathe around the th
lenched.
t re
t straight t
ed is unavailable or has trave
as in Switzerla
ng of my heart. My mind spiraled, conjuring images of skiing
all living room li
't just sit here, drowning in anxi
lled through my contacts, my
Sul
and dialed, praying
ond ring, her voice war
ep my voice from shaking. "I'm sorry to call so ea
ther end of the line. Mrs.
message not long ago. They're on the plane, on their way ba
t me like a
on their
fa, the phone stil
re comi
wasn't
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