My sisters were smart and observant. Just a slight shift in my expression and they would notice that something was amiss. So I had to keep it cool, be a blank slate, channel my inner Alexander.

“For days now?” I asked, my eyebrows furrowed. “That’s strange. This has never happened before.”

Joyce nodded. “Exactly. Makes me a bit worried.”

“I’m sure he’s fine,” Amelia grumbled, looking totally uninterested in the topic–thank God. “Our father is a big boy. We shouldn't be worried when we haven't heard from him for a few days.”

I nodded, and just like that, that topic was closed, but guilt left a bitter taste in my...