Page 56 of The Wrong Sister

“Are you sleeping, Griffin?”

“Some. It’s fine. It’s not about me.”

Catherine sighs, patting my arm. “Will you tell her I was here?”

I nod, walking her out. Laptop in hand I go back to the bedroom, propping up beside Mina. I have work to do, but I end up dozing off. I sleep hard. I’m jolted awake by ragged screaming and I’m disoriented, the bedroom dark around me. I fumble for the lamp next to me, turning it on quickly. Mina is sitting up now, her eyes still unfocused, her breathing rapid and shallow. I wrap my arms around her, carefully, making soft shushing sounds.

“You’re safe, Meens.” I brush her hair away from her face, kissing the top of her head. “You’re at home. You’re safe.”

“I’m sorry,” she whispers. “I was dreaming again.” She sniffles and I realize she’s crying. It’s strange to see her this emotional. She uses her left fist to scrub at her face, letting out an involuntary moan when she rubs over her left eye.

“There’s nothing to apologize for.”

“There is!” Her voice cracks, piercing me like a needle, the pain sharp. “It’s my fault! I shouldn’t have gone like that. I shouldn’t have taken you with me. I shouldn’t have mouthed off when he was already so unhinged.” Her voice is rising with everyshouldn’t have. “I knew it felt wrong. I didn’t think. I was impetuous and it got me hurt. I could have gottenyouhurt, Griffin!”

I can feel myself clenching my teeth. I don’t agree and I’m not upset with her. But I don’t want to think about it. I hate remembering what happened. The fear, hearing her scream, the terror in her eyes as his hand squeezed her throat, seeing his fist connecting with her delicate face. Mina is watching me. She squeezes my hand.

“You’re allowed to be angry, Griffin! I can take it. You won’t scare me away.”

I shake my head. “I’m not angry.” She purses her lips as if she doesn’t believe me. “I’m not angry with you,” I amend. “I don’t blame you. I’m angry with him! I’m angry with myself, that I didn’t get out of the car sooner, that I didn’t stop him from hurting you. I’m angry with fucking Troy! I’m frustrated that I can’t do more for you now.”

She leans her head against my chest and I lie back, bringing her with me.

“If it helps,” she lifts her head to look at me, “I don’t blame you and I don’t think you should have done or should be doing more. I appreciate that you stayed in the car. I couldn’t bear it if something happened to you.”

We’re lying like that, taking comfort in each others’ presence, when Mina’s phone gives a video chat notification. I hold it up for her, answering to see Ka‘eo’s smiling face—at least until he spots her.

“Mina, holy shit! What happened to you?” Ka‘eo bellows. Norah pushes in next to him, gasping.

“Your face! Are you ok?” A small tear slides down Mina’s cheek at Norah’s question.

“How did you let this happen to your lady, Griff?”

I tense up. That is the question, isn’t it? The root of every worry and the burning frustration that never leaves my gut.

“K.” Everyone stills at the sound of Mina’s raspy voice. “I know you’re messing around, but no. You don’t get to say that to him. I will hang up on you right now. Griffin is the reason I’m alive. Without him I could have…” her hand flutters to her throat and she chokes on her words.

Ka‘eo looks serious. “Shit, Griffin. Brah. I’m sorry. That was too far.”

“No worries.” I wave him off. Mina’s support would warm me except that I’ve been asking myself the same thing since Sunday.How did I let this happen?

Norah is looking at Mina with concern. “Where is he now?”

“Jail.” Her face is set, but I’m close enough to see the tiny tremble in her lips. She’s had enough of thinking about and talking about what happened.

“Were you wanting to talk about something in particular?” I ask.

“Right. Ya.” Ka‘eo clears his throat. “We wanted to let you know that we have a location for the shave. A church in Kailua that hosts our bi-monthly poi poundings offered to host. They also have a sweet setup for sound and live-streaming.”

Mina gives a tired thumbs up.

“We haven’t had a chance to do anything on our end. I’m sorry guys. Mina was hurt not long after we talked to you before. Between the hospital and here…”

“We understand, no explanation needed.” Norah wraps her arm around her husband, leaning her head into him.

“I need a little more time.” Mina drops her chin, looking down. “I’m sorry to delay everything with everyone relying on me. I just…I can’t.”

“It’s fine, Mina.” Norah’s smile is understanding, but Mina doesn’t see it. “Let us know what you need from us and we’ll be there, no question. We’ll let you rest. Bye guys.” The screen goes black and Mina leans her head back against me.

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