Stranger Danger

93

Copyright © MonMoncheese
All Rights Reserved
93 Published 07.08.2025

•••

"Maybe you were just getting all the hard days out of the way early so you can live the rest of your life in peace." -Cory Allen

ROSE

When I return to the kitchen, mom is still behind the sink drying her hands with a rag. All the dishes have been cleaned and dried, no sign of the meal we just had. The sound of my footsteps makes her glance behind her shoulder, and I shoot her a smile. She does the same before parting her lips to speak.

"Is your dad in the living room?'

He wasn't there when I passed.

Not recalling seeing him on the couch, I shake my head. "I didn't see him."

"This man," She leaves out an exasperated sigh as she walks to another side of the kitchen and moves some things around. "I told him to wait for us there." Letting out a chuckle, I remove my arm from the wall and inch my way towards the exit.

"I'll go check, mom."

"Thank you, sweetie. If he is there just wait for me. I'm almost done."

Nodding, I leave her alone and turn into the living room.

Scanning the room for any sign of him, I realise that dad is standing near a hidden corner while leaning against it with a tablet on his hand.

That's why I didn't see him.

"Dad, mom said to wait for her here"

At the sound of my voice, he looks up. His hazel eyes meeting my brown ones.

"Hi, dear," he says just as he locks the device and peels away from the wall. Walking towards one of the couches, I take a seat and relax my body.

I'm not sure if its school tiring me out or the whole situation with Irene, but lately my body barely wants to move. My days are becoming more exhausting, and I just want to sleep all day.

"What's wrong, dear?" I look up to my dad and see him taking a seat on the couch across mine.

Shrugging, I just wave my hand  not wanting to worry him. "Just a little tired from school." I reply just as a nod escapes my mouth and I raise my hand to cover my mouth. 

"Take it slow, Rose. Nothing will happen if you take some time off." His comforting words are soft, voice laced with concern.

Flashing him a small smile, I stretch my legs just as mom comes into the living room.

"All right, I'm ready." She takes a spot next to dad and crosses her legs. "Go on, Rose. What is it that you wanted to tell us." Watching her take dad's hand and caressing it, I swallow hard and let out a small breath looking away from them.

Somehow, this whole situation seemed easier in my head.

Now that I was under their watchful eyes, the words wouldn't come out. I could feel the heat of my blood rushing to my face and all of a sudden, I felt nauseous.

Come on.

You can do this.

Forcing myself to suppress the nausea, I turn back to my parents.

Heart beating fast in my chest as I gather the courage to speak to them.

Here I go.

"Before I tell you what's happening, I just want you guys to know that I already thought about this decision and decided that this is what I want."