Page 25 of Promise Me

“I’m not on bed rest, Linc.”

“Just please go upstairs,” he pleads.

I groan and walk out of the kitchen.

I’m halfway up the stairs when I see a picture of myself, Linc, and our dad.

I don’t remember it.

It’s clearly in the backyard because I see my brother’s babies, also known as his tomato plants, in the background. My dress is super cute, but I still don’t remember it. We took the picture to remember something. That moment, that day. What were we celebrating?

I take another step and see a picture of my mom.

My heart does this weird lurch thing. To everyone else, she’s been gone for three years, but for me, she just left.

I hold back my tears until I get to my room.

Maybe Linc is right. Sitting in here is better for me.

This one dayfeels like it’s actually been a whole month.

I reach for my phone to check the time.

I barely see that it’s four in the afternoon when my door swings open.

“What do you need?”

I startle. “What the hell, Linc? Are you just standing out there watching me through the crack?”

“I was walking to the bathroom and saw you grab your phone.”

“I was just looking at the time.”

“No screens, Sadie.”

“It was the time, Linc.”

He stands over me with his hands on his hips.

My dad suddenly appears at the door with a suitcase at his side. Not just any suitcase. The stupid fancy shiny black one I got Linc for Christmas last year. Or, well, four years ago now, I guess. Mom helped me pick it out.

“Why are you using Linc’s suitcase? Are you going somewhere?”

Dad shakes his head.

“I’m staying here for a couple of weeks,” Linc says matter-of-factly.

“What? No.”

“I just want to be here to help,” he says with a softer tone.

I know he’s worried about me, but this is crazy.

“I’m fine with Dad, Linc.”

He looks over his shoulder at our father, who just shrugs.

“I know you are, but we both have to work, and it would be easier for us to get things done if there is always someone here with you.”

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