Page 22 of Ashen Souls

My post-concussion brain had apparently cut off the supply. The nights were just normal now. Quiet.

I was healing exactly like the doctors predicted.

It was disappointing.

“Where did you just go, Aves?”

I blinked, pulling my focus back to the kitchen table. Dad was watching me over the rim of his coffee mug, his brows drawn together. “You do that a lot lately. You just... switch off. Like you aren't in the room anymore.”

Mom sighed, dropping the spatula into the sink with a clatter. “Are you really surprised, David? She gets it from you. Half the time I’m talking to you, I’m just providing background noise for whatever book you’re repairing in your head.”

Dad opened his mouth to argue, then wisely shut it, taking another slow sip of coffee.

I pressed my palms flat against the table. “I’m just tired of the walls. I'm bored. Can I please just go for a walk? Half an hour. Just around the block to get some actual air.”

“Absolutely not,” Mom and Dad said in unison.

I bit down on the inside of my cheek. I was an adult. A grown woman with my own apartment, my own bills, and my own life. Yet, sitting at this table, I was a child again, grounded and monitored. The thought of spending another two weeks under this well-meaning house arrest made my skin crawl.

My phone buzzed.

I glanced down. A text from Matt.

I shot him a look. He was casually scrolling on his phone, but he caught my gaze and offered a microscopic wink.

Matt: I’ll handle the wardens. But you owe me.

I didn't even have time to type a reply before he cleared his throat, setting his phone face-down.

“So,” Matt started, looking between our parents. “What time are we leaving?”

Mom paused, wiping her hands on a dish towel. “Leaving for what, honey?”

Matt gave her a look of exaggerated betrayal. “Are you serious? I told you guys about this a month ago. The open house.”

Dad frowned. “You want to borrow the car?”

“No, I want you to come with me,” Matt said smoothly. “It’s for the IT program. I figured it’s time I actually started looking at my future. Plus, they have a whole seminar on tuition and student loans today. I'm not signing my life away without Dad reading the fine print.”

It was a masterclass in manipulation. Using the 'thinking about my future' card on our parents was an instant win.

Mom’s expression softened, but then she glanced at me. “Oh, sweetie, that’s wonderful news. But... Aveline. We can't leave her alone.”

“Chloe can stay with her,” Matt offered.

“I don't need a babysitter,” I snapped.

“If someone isn't in this house with you, we aren't going,” Mom stated.

Everyone looked at Chloe. She was slowly stirring a spoon through a bowl of cereal, unbothered by the sudden attention. She took her time swallowing before looking up.

“I don't know,” Chloe mused, tapping her chin. “I have a killer English Lit essay due. I was planning on hitting the library where it's quiet.”

I stared at her. You little extortionist.

“I'll outline your essay,” I said flatly.

Chloe’s lips curved into a smug smile. “Deal.”