“Phoebe won’t leave her room,” she said as she walked back to me. “She’s been locked in since she got back earlier today. She was crying, but won’t tell me what was wrong with her.”

“Did you tell her it’s her brother hoping to see her?”

She nodded, “I did, she just said go away.”

Phoebe has always been stubborn. “I’ll just go see her,” I told her with a small smile, appreciating her effort.

I made my way to Phoebe’s door and knocked on it.

“Go away!” Her voice came angry, but weak and hurt all at the same time.

Ignoring her words, I opened the door and stepped...