The couch cushions soften beneath me as I shift, scrolling through my phone with one thumb—lazy, impatient, the glow of the screen casting shadows across my face.
I turn. Look toward the hallway.
Where is he?
Why isn't he ready yet?
The silence of the house presses against my ears. The clock ticks—each second a small violence.
How much longer do I need to wait?
I shouldn't have asked him to come with me to Sum's sister's party.
The thought circles back, stubborn. But I have no choice. I already lied to Dad. If he finds out—if he catches even a hint of it—he'll start with his morals and his lectures and his I raised you better than this, nonstop, until my ears ring with it.
I'm done dealing with it.
It's easier to use Silas as a shield.
The thought sits ugly in my chest. But it's honest. He's useful. He keeps the family dinners away—the conversations, the questions I don't want to answer.
As long as he's beside me, they leave me alone.
