Emma

My mother goes silent, her eyes gleaming with something I can't quite place. I step out from behind Knox, my heart pounding in my chest as I face her. My voice shakes, but I don’t back down. “Yes, Mom. You should tell me what happened to my father.”

She stares at me, blinking repeatedly, as if she’s trying to understand my words. The anger creeps back into her eyes slowly, building in intensity until it’s burning there once more. 

She folds her arms across her chest, her expression hardening as she speaks in a low, firm voice. 

“Don’t you ever mention that name again.” Her tone is sharp, cutting...