“This is your fault! Both of you! You made
her go to the cemetery! To apologize to your
precious Jason! That’s why she’s dead!”
“I knew something was wrong! I tried to
report her missing! You stopped me! If you
hadn’t interfered, she might still be alive!“”
“You never cared about her! Where were you
when those kids were burning her with
cigarettes? Where were you when they called
her an orphan? Where were you when she
begged you for help?”
“You took away her only hope!”
“She cared about you so much! She let you
abuse her, insult her, because you hated it
when she talked back! She killed herself
studying, trying to get perfect grades,
because you wanted another Jason! Her
hands were covered in frostbite sores! She
told me she deserved your hatred because
she killed your son! Eight years! Eight years
of torture! Are you monsters?! Was she even
your daughter?!”
“I should have gone with her! She wouldn’t
have died!”
“If I were her, I’d never forgive you! I’d haunt
<
you for the rest of your miserable lives!”
Chloe ran away, sobbing. Dad struggled to his feet, his face pale, and followed her, staying hidden, until she was safely inside her house.
I looked at Dad, a mixture of gratitude and resentment swirling inside me. I admired his dedication, his courage, but I hated his indifference, his cruelty.
He stumbled, grabbing a tree for support. “If I’d just…checked my phone sooner…if I’d gone to her…maybe she’d be safe at home, too…” Rain streamed down his face, blurring
his tears.
But Dad, there are no “ifs.”
