Chapter 131

“Where the hell have you been?” My father’s voice booms almost as loudly as the rolling thunder outside.

Although I was expecting him to be waiting, I’m still startled. “Jesus, Dad!” I cry, holding my palm over my chest. Then I remember that I’m not decent enough to be in front of him with my shirt wetly clinging to me. Quickly, I cross my arms. “I thought you went out somewhere.”

He’s sitting on the couch in the living room, a beer in his hand. “I did go somewhere. To the store.” He digs his fingers into his eye sockets, and suddenly, he seems so tired. “We were out of milk and I know you like it for your cereal.”

“I could have just eaten something else,” I say, realizing this was his way of apologizing

“But you love cereal for breakfast.” He lifts his weary gaze to me. “I saw you through the camera. Where did you go?”

For a moment, I consider lying. But I can’t bring myself to do that to him. “Nathan came by. We went for a walk.”

“In the rain? Dressed like that?” He lifts his beer