Sixty

Maria

I pace the length of the living room, my fingers nervously tapping against my thigh. I can't keep still. I glance over at the setting sun for what feels like the hundredth time, waiting for Mikhail to return home. He called from the road to tell Dominika he was coming home early. The staff is in a frantic panic as they hurry to finish their work. Mikhail doesn't want to be disturbed, but I can't wait.

Why was my father in that photo?

We didn't talk about the photo last night. I was too scared to ask, and he was too angry to explain. My breath picks up as I think about what we did instead. I won't let it happen again until he talks to me. I'm bracing myself for the icy stare Mikhail will give me when I demand to know the truth from him.

I fold my arms around my body and stop pacing. My thoughts are knotted into a tangle of chaos. My head spins with so many questions and doubts. I'm terrified to find out what's true and what isn't. My life is like a car wreck I can't stop staring