Meryl's POV
"Dad!" The word tore from my throat as I burst through the front door, my bare feet hitting the cold porch stones. Tears were already streaming down my face before I even understood what was happening. My body moved on pure instinct, chasing after the sound of his voice, the terrible finality of those last words still echoing in my ears.
I disown you.
The words felt like a physical blow, knocking the air from my lungs as I stumbled across the driveway. He was already at the car with my stepmom, one hand on the door handle, ready to drive away from me forever.
"Please wait!" My voice cracked and broke as I ran toward them, gravel cutting into my bare soles. "Don't leave me like this!"
