Chapter 4The Day Before He Vanished

I opened the study door. Harrison was holding up a duvet cover.

Lily was giggling from underneath it.

Harrison’s face was flushed. He smiled and gestured for me to grab the other end.

"She says she wants to play 'parachute' like she did in gym class as a kid. Just grab the corners and lift."

Even though I expected the worst, the sheer absurdity gave me a headache.

Harrison didn't look at me. He assumed I would obey.

I felt like I was made of ice. I shook my head.

"No."

The giggling stopped. Four eyes locked onto me.

"Sister, I just missed my childhood... I didn't mean to..." Lily’s eyes filled with tears instantly. "I'm sorry. I know you don't like me. I asked for too much."

Before I could speak, Harrison stepped between us, blocking my exit. His voice was low and angry.

"I just asked you to lift a blanket. Do you have to have an attitude about everything?"

I didn't speak. I just looked at him.

"Apologize!"

His voice rose, thick with annoyance.

"Do you have to make everything so suffocating? If I leave one day and never come back, you'll be the one crying!"

Harrison frowned, scanning my face. He was looking for jealousy, for sadness.

But he found nothing.

He sensed control slipping through his fingers.

I turned around and walked out, closing the door gently behind me.

The moment the latch clicked, the room erupted in laughter and playful shrieks again.

I felt like a rat in the sewer, peeking up at their sunshine.

Watching them plan their great escape from me.

Tears finally wet my cheeks.