For a long time after Calum disappeared, nobody moved.
Mathew remained near the gate, staring at the empty road as though his brother might suddenly reappear around the bend, realise what he had done, and come back.
He didn't.
The road remained empty.
A dry leaf scraped across the pavement.
Somewhere beyond the neighbouring houses, a dog barked twice and fell silent.
Mathew straightened slowly.
"I'm going after him."
"Dad." Destiny took a step toward her father. "Wait."
He turned.
"What?"
She hesitated.
It was the first time since Calum had driven away that she had properly looked at him. There was something in his face she hadn't seen before, something that made her anger feel suddenly misplaced.
He looked frightened.
Not angry with Calum.
Frightened for him.
"I don't think he's in the right state to be driving," Mathew said. "Look at the way he left."
"I know."
"Then why are you asking me to wait?"
"I'm not. I just—"
She stopped.
What was she supposed to say?
