"WRONG TURN''
What on earth is going on?
The more I read this diary, the more I realize how much Aunt Serena sounds like me. Her words, her way of writing — it's like there's more to the picture than it seems.
She's changed a lot now. Maybe something happened. Something she doesn't want me to know.
I can't even tell Cade about this anymore.
Cade.
I wonder how he's doing now.
Snap.
"Odessa," Aunt Serena's voice cuts through my thoughts. "Could you pass me the salt?"
I blink, coming back to the present.
"Oh — sorry," I murmur, handing it over quickly.
We're seated at the long dining table in Ethan's grand hall — a room that's too beautiful to feel this cold. The ceilings stretch high, three chandeliers dripping warm light across polished wood. Classical music hums softly from the CD player. The walls are lined with portraits and vases, everything in its perfect place.
It should feel comforting.
But it doesn't.
The clinking of forks is the only sound until Ethan speaks.
"You two should visit the cemetery today."
Aunt Serena smiles faintly, too rehearsed.
"Yes, darling. We will."
The sky is heavy and gray when we reach the cemetery, the air thick with the scent of wet earth. I'm holding a bouquet of roses we plucked from the garden — bright red against the colorless day.
There's an old well behind the mansion. I don't think there's any water in it. It's really deep. I know this whole property was inherited by Ethan from his father. The well reminds me of that movie Coraline.
We go to see her.
Mother.
When I see her grave, I tell myself not to cry. I really try.
But the tears come anyway, spilling faster than I can stop them.
Aunt Serena rests a hand on my shoulder , a gentle, almost comforting gesture — and for a moment, I let her. We place the flowers down together.
I swear to God, Ethan, you'll die the most horrifying death ever.
On the drive home, I expect Aunt Serena to turn left — toward the house.
She doesn't.
She keeps driving straight.
And my stomach tightens.
"That's not the way home—"
"Mhm, I know, honey. I thought we could have lunch together. What do you think?"