~ 24 ~
FatherHer mother jerks the curtains open. They make a ripping sound as the metal curtain rings tear along the curtain rod. Cassie’s crusty eyes open to slits, the bright sunshine searing her eyeballs.
‘What are your shoes doing in here?’ Her mother holds the shoes aloft, dirt caked into the heels. ‘Where have you been in these?’
‘I couldn’t sleep. I went for a walk early,’ Cassie rasps.
‘What? I can’t hear a word you’re saying. How’s your cold?’ She lays the back of her hand on Cassie’s forehead. ‘You think you can get up?’
Cassie sits up. ‘Better,’ she says, her mouth gummy and sticky. ‘I’m going to Athena’s for lunch,’ she says. ‘What’s the time?’ She looks at her alarm clock but the hands blur and shimmer.
‘It’s almost midday. Your brother has been out helping your father s
