Where Reality Ends

rom upstairs," I said, pushing my chai

t, "Sarah, we really

insisted, already moving toward

but make it quick. Tr

pounding. I snatched my p

ssages fr

e weird. Mom and Dad are di

No signal. The

arted to

nstairs, phone clu

olding up a random

eady by the front do

go," Dad urged,

filled with their forced small talk about

e familiar suburban streets

approached the exit, I saw a familiar car parked

n' s

wealthy family in the next neighborhood over,

talking on his phone, looki

s he do

to the gate, I

my "parents." I opened the texts from Michael, ho

ond. I saw a flicker of something – recognition?

alked towards our car a

! Fancy meeting you here," Eth

se," Mom said, her sm

ow. "Mr. Henderson, I couldn't help but notice, it looks like you' ve got

leak? Are you sure?" He cra

o check it before you get too far."

s it, m