Charles
I remember. How could I forget? I was down by the river in Echo Hills, standing on the bridge when Will found me.
"Dad. Courtney's getting worse."
I sighed, rubbing my face. "I know that, Will. We're leaving tomorrow."
"It's not enough."
I set the camera on the edge of the bridge. "What more do you want, Will?" I knew that Courtney was sick. That was the entire reason we came to Echo Hills, to see their doctors.
"I want you to get your own head out of your ass."
God, I tried so hard to avoid angering him. Will was intolerable when he was angry. "You better watch your language."
"Or what? What are you going to do? You can't do a damn thing, 'dad!' You love your stupid camera more than you love your children!" He grabbed the camera and heaved it into the river. Will always knew too much for his own good. He knew I loved that camera. "I'm sick of following you around and doing what you want!"
I lost it then. I drew back my hand and hit him, as hard as I could. "Shut up. Just shut up. I don't ever want to hear you say that again." He fell silent. "Get it."
He didn't move. "GET IT!" I shouted.
Will could swim. He had been swimming since he was a child. To this day I don't know what happened. I stood on the bank behind him when I realized. Maybe the current was too strong. I don't know. I jumped in and tried to pull him out. A policeman dove in and helped me.
Will nearly died that day. He's never been the same since.
YOU ARE READING
All the Lights are On
Mystery / Thriller"If there was one thing that could throw this town on its head, of course it'd be the goddamned McKenzie house." The McKenzie house stood tall and proud, its walls worn down by time and weather. It sat with windows boarded and shutters closed, with...
