April 22 (later)
Dear Corinne,
Once I calmed down and was staring at the stained bottom of my paper hot chocolate cup, I sat there with the black of the night smeared by the light reflecting off the inside of the window behind me. I had nothing. Literally and figuratively. I couldn't feel.
Eventually I worked up enough courage to ask the girl behind the counter to borrow their computer.
Her: we don't have one for public use, but here.
She reached her hand in her pocket and took out her phone.
Her: what do you need?
Me: bus routes.
A few moments later, I was walking through the early morning, hunching my shoulders against the cold.
It took me a couple hours to get home, and the sun was just rising. I slipped through the front door and my dad was passed out on the sofa. I shut the door as lightly as I could, but my dad opened his eyes at the sound of the tiny click.
Dad: Leigh.
I froze. The pain welled, filling my rib cage. He sat up, the couch creaking slightly.
Dad:
Me: I'm sorry-
The tears spilled over unchecked and I crumbled by the door. He stood up and came over to me.
Me: I found her- I'm sorry, Dad. I'm sorry, I'm-
He bent down and pulled me into his arms. I went rigid at the embrace, then relaxed.
Dad: you are so grounded.
Me (whispered): I know.
Then he held me tighter. And I somehow felt OK.
Love,
Leigh
YOU ARE READING
Piece by Piece
Teen Fiction"Dear Corinne, I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. And God help me- it HURTS! Love, Leigh" After confiding her story in the only person she truly trusts- but who didn't know she was such a role model- Leigh Ande...
