Her mum said, "Hannah, this is your Uncle Paul."
"Hello," Hannah said nervously.
"Lots of time for us to meet later," he said as he wiped his hands and stared at Hannah. He turned away, and without saying another word, he left the house through the kitchen.
Aunt Jessica asked, "I imagine you plan on staying the night, Charmaine?"
"No," her mum said quickly. "I have a tight schedule."
Hannah wondered why they would drive all this way to come and see her dad's family if they were going to leave again so quickly.
The quacking duck noise from my phone jerks me out of dreamland. I squint my eyes against the sharp glare of the sunlight filtering through the blinds in front of my window. Bringing the phone closer to my face, I open the message folder.
Sophia: Are you awake?
Caitlyn: Yes.
Sophia: I had the MOST amazing night-ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Caitlyn: Tell me everything.
Sophia: There is too much to say. My fingers cannot type so fast, but I'll tell you everything when I see you next Friday. Just know this. I am happy.
Caitlyn: You are happy = I am happy :o)
Sophia: You still okay?
Caitlyn: Yeah. Why wouldn't I be?
Sophia: You know why?
Caitlyn: I am amazing.
The word amazing. It is the first time I have used it in a year. To be exact three hundred and sixty three days. Two more days to go and it will be exactly one whole year.
Sophia: You must stay strong. Everything will work out, you'll see.
Caitlyn: I know. I know. You sound like Jiminy.
I call my therapist Jiminy, although his name is Mr. James Browne. He has a love for green and he has a sharp, pointy face just like a cricket. He is trying to be my voice in the darkness. My window pane against the storm.
Sophia: We'll talk soon. I have to quickly sort out my game. These people suck, and if they're not careful, I'll reset them.
Caitlyn: Hahaha. I have to see what's happening in my game too. I killed her dad.
Sophia: OMG! You lie!
Caitlyn: He had to die.
Sophia: You obsessed with death again, girl?
Caitlyn: NO.
Sophia: You know, I need you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Caitlyn: Believe me!!!!!! How did we get back to this again?
Sophia: You killed someone's dad.
Caitlyn: I want to see how she handles hopeless…
Sophia: Okay???
Caitlyn: Maybe I can learn something from her.
Sophia: Do I need to use my mum's phone to speak to you. Do you need to talk?
Caitlyn: No :o) I gotta go. I need to pee.