Gemotions

The phone rang and I almost didn't answer it. It was my sister. The voice on the other end was hesitant, a voice I didn't recognize. "It's about… you know," she said, her voice trailing off. It was the only thing she had said.

I hung up, the harsh click echoing in the empty apartment. I'd built my life, brick by brick, away from them all. I didn't need any new obligations, any new attachments. The thought of it made me want to scream. I’d worked hard to be alone, to be self-sufficient. This… this was a threat.

I stared at the phone. I didn’t answer it again when the caller ID showed the name "Dad" later that day.