I’d driven 2 hours. I’d rehearsed what I’d say to dad. I even brought a gift for Melany’s newborn, even though she never responded to my message when I congratulated her.
It would have been easy to cry, easier still to rage, but I didn’t do either.
I just whispered, “Got it,” and started the engine.
I was barely 5 minutes down the road when my phone started buzzing. First one call, then another.
I ignored them, let them go to voicemail. I didn’t want to hear it. Whatever excuse, whatever lie, none of it would change the look on Dorene’s face when she said what she said. None of it would erase the image of my whole family gathered in the warm glow, acting like I never existed.
Then came the 10th call.
Dad.
I finally answered, if only out of morbid curiosity.
“Ryan.”
His voice was shaky. There was noise in the background, doors slamming, voices raised.
“Yeah,” I said calmly.
“Where are you?”
“On my way home.”
“What?”
He didn’t answer right away. I could hear Melanie in the background saying something I couldn’t make out. Then muffled.
“He’s not picking up. Dad, just let it go.”
But Dad didn’t let it go.
“Turn around, please. Something’s happened.”
“Something’s happened?” I repeated slowly. “What exactly? Did the turkey dry out?”
He ignored the jab.
“Ryan, just come back, please. You need to come back.”
I almost laughed. “You need me to come back now? After your sister told me to ruin someone else’s holiday.”
Dad exhaled heavily like he was wrestling with himself.
“I didn’t know. I swear to God, I didn’t know she said that. I didn’t even know you were at the door until 10 minutes ago.”
There was a thud like he was moving fast. Maybe grabbing a coat. I heard wind, then footsteps.
“Where are you now?” he asked.
“About 10 minutes away. Why?”
“I’m coming to get you,” he said. “Just stay where you are. Please, Ryan, don’t hang up.”
I didn’t answer right away.