NOAH
The phone buzzed in my hand.
EVIL JERK
The name burned on the screen like a verdict already passed.
I stared at it, watching it ring.
My thumb hovered over the answer button.
But I couldn't press it.
Couldn't bear the sound of his voice. Couldn't take whatever command or punishment he'd decided I deserved next.
I shoved the phone into my pocket and stormed out of the kitchen.
"GET BACK HERE!"
My father's voice detonated behind me, furious enough to shake the walls.
"DON'T YOU DARE WALK AWAY FROM ME!"
I kept going.
"Noah!" My mother now, frantic, trembling. "NOAH!"
I didn't turn around.
Didn't give them that last glance.
Just grabbed my jacket from the hook by the door, slung my bag over my shoulder… the bag with the unopened birthday gifts still inside, pointless and untouched.
"YOU'RE DEAD TO ME!" my father roared behind me. "DO YOU HEAR ME?! DEAD TO ME!"
My fingers closed around the front door handle.
"Good riddance."
Nick's voice.
