I can't respond. What can I say? My denial rips through me in a physical rush, like a response to a blow. Dad starts toward me, only to have Aunt Vonda grab his arm, stop him.
"You leave her be," she says, angry and shaking. "You hear me Richard? You leave that girl alone."
Dad pulls free of her. "I'm doing nothing of the sort," he snaps. "I've had enough of this foolishness." He meets my eyes, his burning with rage. "Where the hell have you been?"
"Out." Is he serious? He can't be serious. This, this isn't real. I'm imagining it, digging up my worst nightmare possible. I just need to shut off my fantasy and he'll vanish.
Only he doesn't and my response just fuels his anger. I might as well have lit a match under Dad's last firework. "Don't you dare take that tone with me." His voice r
