I KNOW THE END

17

Act Two: Chapter Two,September 12th, 2023

THE PARKER RESIDENCE

GRACE

The morning after my dad's unexpected return felt like the calm before a storm. I hadn't slept at all—every time I closed my eyes, the look on his face haunted me. The desperation, the regret, and something else I couldn't quite place. Something darker.

William had left early for school without saying much, clearly still angry and avoiding the subject altogether. I couldn't blame him. After all, what was there to say? Our dad had just shown up after years, acting like he could explain it all away with a few apologies and promises. It wasn't that easy.

I was still sitting at the kitchen table, nursing a cup of coffee that had gone cold when I heard a knock at the door. My heart raced, my mind immediately jumping to the worst-case scenario.

It had to be him.

With a deep breath, I stood up and made my way to the door, my stomach in knots. When I opened it, I wasn't surprised to see my dad standing there, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his worn jacket. He looked tired, like the weight of the world had settled on his shoulders since the night before.

"Dad," I said, my voice wavering. "What are you doing here?"

"I need to talk to you, Grace," he said, his tone low and serious. "Can I come in?"

I hesitated, but something in his voice told me this wasn't a conversation I could avoid. I stepped aside, letting him in, and closed the door behind him.

He walked into the living room, glancing around like he was trying to get a feel for a place that had changed in his absence. I stayed by the door, watching him carefully, unsure of what he was about to say. The tension in the air was suffocating, and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest.

"I've been thinking a lot about everything," he began, turning to face me. "About what happened. About what's going to happen next."

"What do you mean?" I asked, my stomach twisting.

"I'm out now," he said, his eyes locking onto mine. "I'm trying to rebuild my life, and I want you to be part of it."

"I don't know if I can just—"

"I'm not asking, Grace," he interrupted, his voice suddenly harder, colder. "You're my daughter. You belong with me."

The shift in his tone sent a chill down my spine. This wasn't the same man who had stood in front of me last night, pleading for understanding. There was something different now—something threatening.

"What are you saying?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I've been patient," he said, taking a step closer. "But I'm not going to wait forever for you to make up your mind. You need to come live with me, Grace. You and William. We're a family, and I'm not going to let that slip away."

Panic surged through me, and I backed up a step, my pulse racing. "I can't just leave. This is my home."

"Your home?" he scoffed, his expression darkening. "Your home is with me now. I've already lost too much, and I'm not going to lose you too."

My throat tightened, my thoughts spinning. "You can't just force me to come with you."

His eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I saw something dangerous flicker in them—something that made my blood run cold. "I don't think you understand, Grace. You don't have a choice in this. I'm your father, and you're coming with me whether you like it or not."

Terror gripped me, and I realized that this wasn't just a desperate man trying to make amends. This was a man who was willing to go to any lengths to get what he wanted, no matter the cost.

"I won't," I said, my voice shaking but firm. "I'm not going anywhere with you."

For a moment, he didn't say anything. He just stared at me, his jaw clenched, his fists tightening at his sides. Then, slowly, he leaned in, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "If you don't come with me, Grace, I'll make sure you regret it. I'll make sure William regrets it."

Fear surged through me, and I took another step back, my heart pounding in my chest. I didn't know what he was capable of anymore, and that terrified me more than anything.

"I'll give you time to think about it," he said, straightening up and heading toward the door. "But don't take too long. I won't be so patient next time."

With that, he opened the door and walked out, leaving me standing there, frozen in place, the weight of his threat hanging over me like a dark cloud.

I didn't move for what felt like an eternity. My mind was racing, trying to process what had just happened. My own father—threatening me, threatening William. I had no idea what to do, or who to turn to.

All I knew was that things were spiraling out of control, and I wasn't sure how to stop it.

LATER THAT NIGHT

William finally came home, his mood still sour from the day before. I waited until he was settled in the living room, staring blankly at the TV, before sitting down beside him.

"We need to talk," I said quietly.

He looked over at me, his expression unreadable. "What now?"

"Dad came by today," I said, my voice barely steady.

William's eyes darkened instantly. "What did he want?"

I hesitated, unsure of how to tell him. But I couldn't keep it from him, not after what had happened. "He wants us to live with him."

William's face twisted in disbelief. "That's insane. There's no way we're going with him."

"I know," I said quickly. "But he... he threatened us, Will. He said if we don't go, he'll make sure we regret it."

For a moment, William was silent, his jaw clenched tight. Then, without warning, he stood up, his fists balled at his sides. "He's not getting anywhere near us again. I swear to God, Grace, if he tries to pull anything—"

"I'm scared," I admitted, my voice breaking. "I don't know what to do."

William turned to me, his expression softening for the first time. "We'll figure it out," he said firmly. "He's not going to control us again. Not ever."

I nodded, grateful for his strength, but deep down, I knew this wasn't over. My dad wasn't the kind of man to give up easily, and the shadow of his threat loomed over us like a storm ready to break.

We were caught in something far bigger than either of us could handle alone.

And I had no idea how we were going to survive it.

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