Chapter 4: Desperation and Dial Tones
Two days before my surgery, my cell phone rang. It was an unknown number. Against my better judgment, I answered.
"Elena? Please don't hang up." Diane's voice was frantic, thick with tears.
"You have ten seconds," I said coldly.
"Your father's bail was denied because of his previous assault record. Brandon... Elena, the people Brandon owes money to showed up at the house. They smashed the windows. They took my car. You have to give him the money. If you don't, they're going to kill him!"
I closed my eyes. The old Elena—the desperate, people-pleasing daughter who just wanted to be loved—would have caved. She would have sacrificed her own flesh and blood to save a brother who wouldn't spit on her if she were on fire.
"Mom," I said steadily.
"Yes? Yes, honey?"
May you like
"Your son needs that money more than he needs his life."
I hung up, blocked the number, and powered down the phone. For the first time in twenty-eight years, I slept through the night without a single nightmare.
