Finally, around seven o’clock, I can’t wait any longer. This is around the time she normally wakes up. At least, it was while I was there a few weeks ago. How has it only been a few weeks? I’m a different person now.

I dial her number and cross my fingers. Please, please, believe me. You have to believe me.

“Hello?” She sounds put out, but at least she answered. I could cry from relief already.

“Grandma? It’s Leni. I’m in trouble and need your help. It’s urgent.”

“Lenora? Slow down. You’re talking too fast. What are you saying?”

“I’m in trouble,” I repeat in a whisper. “Please come. I need your help.”

“What kind of trouble? Where are you?”

“I’m at home, the new house. Mom is still away. Something really bad happened, and I can’t stay here anymore. Please, please, come and get me. I’ll give you the address. But I can’t get out on my own.”

“You’re speaking too quietly. I can barely hear you. What’s happening?”

“I can’t get into details, but…”

Three short beeps signal the call ending. I pull the phone from my ear, cursing softly, prepared to call her back. How could she hang up on me?

As it turns out, she didn’t hang up on me. I no longer have a signal. I don’t have Wi-Fi, either. I turn the phone off, then turn it on again, but that doesn’t change anything. I might as well be holding a toy in my hand. It’s useless.

What is this? What’s happening? No way did the bill go unpaid since my account is connected to Mom’s, and she would never let her cell phone get cut off. What, then? Of all the times for something like this to happen. Hopeless rage bubbles in my chest until I have to press my face to a pillow and scream or else risk shattering into a million pieces.

The unlocking of the door startles me. I assumed everybody was still in bed, but it’s only Colt. Since when am I relieved at the sight of him? Oh right, since his father got home. Nothing in his expression reveals anything of what happened yesterday. There’s no acknowledgment in his glance, no embarrassment or guilt. “Dad wants to talk downstairs.”

I frantically blink back the tears that spring to my eyes before following him out of the room and down the hall. I was hoping I wouldn’t have to look at him today. At least, not this early. What will it be this time? How will he humiliate me this morning? How will he use me? I might as well be on my way to my execution. Part of me wishes I was.