Austin
The door swings open. Harsh fluorescent lights assault my eyes. Mom bursts in, my stepdad trailing behind. Their faces glow with lottery-winning excitement.
"Austin! We have wonderful news!" Mom gushes, her cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling. The sterile air stings as her freesia perfume wafts over.
She plops onto the edge of my bed, grasping my hand. "We've decided to move to Wyoming!"
The words punch my gut, stealing my breath. My escape plans crumble.
"What? I was going to move back home after—" My voice falters as I glance at my swollen belly.
"Nonsense!" Dad interjects, his gruff baritone belying the tenderness in his gaze. "You'll need support with the baby. We want to be there for you, pumpkin. No more back-and-forth."
Mom nods. "It'll be like old times at the family ra
