25

Dad is… No. I can’t say it. I reach into my back pocket and retrieve my phone. Alicia. I need to call my sister. She’ll tell me what to do. The phone doesn’t ring. Damn it. Wait. Now that I think about it, Alicia mentioned that her son, Aiden, is missing. Did something happen? My thoughts jump all over the place, unable to stay in focus. The inability to think straight is paralysing. So much is going on in my brain and I couldn’t comb through everything, even if I tried. All I know is that I need to get in touch with my sister. I need to make sure her family is safe, and I need her to tell me what to do. My fingers hover over the number titled ‘Jonathan: Emergency Only.’ Alicia said to only call him if it’s a life or death situation and I’m unable to reach her. This one definitely is. My toes curl into my shoes as I hit the number and the phone rings. I haven’t met Jonathan even once since the wedding nine years ago. Alicia comes to visit alone and we usually keep up through calls. Whe