Recall

Astrea

"Astrea, is that you?" Her dad called once the front door slammed shut. Tears had started to escape her eyes and she hated each one of them. There would be times where she was fine, happy even, but then she would remember. When Vera had died, it almost ruined her. She hated talking about it more then anything else. Those short times where she wasn't thinking about her sister were her favourites, though afterwards she was always feel guilty. Guilty that she was laughing when her sister was dead, because why should she get to laugh when her big sister was dead and it was all her fault.

"Yeah it's me," she confirmed. Without taking off the flower patterned Doc Martins, she laid down on the couch.

Seconds later her dad entered the room and just stopped in the doorway. He stared at her shaking his head and then finally spoke. "Oh Astrea," he said. "What happened?"

That was something she didn't want to think about, yet everyone always asked. What's wrong? What happened? The questions never ended.

"Nothing," she whispered, watching the small droplets fall from her eyes to the pillow beneath her head.

"Is this about Vera?" He asked hesitantly, after noticing her shoes. They had been Vera's and since she died, Astrea was never not wearing them. Her father hated it, he'd always accidentally call her Vera. At first Astrea thought it was because of their similar blond hair, but those shoes were special to her. Vera had never left the house without them, and everyone knew it.

Astrea sighed, "Yes."

"I need to tell you something," her father admitted. This was the last thing she had expected to hear, if anything she thought he would be demanding to know what happened. "About Vera."

Astrea nodded, waiting for him to continue. Except he didn't, instead he walked into his office and came back with an envelope. "From your mother," he whispered, almost as if he didn't want her to hear the last part. Which was probably a good idea considering her mother was the last thing she wanted to take about. Though her father seemed determined to get her to read it. "Just read it," he said, holding the envelope out in front of her.

Her mother had left them a long time ago, so Astrea wasn't quite sure how it had anything to do with Vera. "I don't want to," Astrea said, making no move to touch the extended the paper. "What's the point?"

"Please just trust me, it's about your sister," he said. Her mother had left when Vera was seven, making Astrea only three years old at the time. She didn't understand how any letter from her mother would help with her sister's death. Still she took the paper anyways, knowing her father wouldn't give her any other choice.

"Is this supposed to be some kind of apology from her?" Astrea asked. The letter felt heavy in her hands, and despite who it was from she wanted to know what it was.

"No, you'll understand once you read it," he promised. Her father looked worried though, and that alone frightened her. She could tell he didn't know if he was doing the right thing. Focusing on his words instead of his expression she ran her nail under the flap to open it. "I'll give you some space," her father said, heading for the exit. She watched him close his office door behind him before taking a deep breath. Then she pulled out the folded piece of paper from inside the envelope. She had always wondered where her mother went, but she had left them so Astrea tried to forget about her. Still she was curious, and that was enough for her to start reading.

Dear Astrea,

If your reading this then either you have started to remember your past, or your father has decided you need this. Before I explain myself, which I know you probably don't want to hear, I'd like to apologize. I'm so sorry I had to leave you and Vera. I wish I was with you right now, but at least I know I will get to see you soon.