"Skunk." My dad grunted. "I thought they were using vinegar."
"I'm sure the skunk was unintentional," mom said. "We have twenty minutes until we need to be at the house. Want to go for a run?"
My dad agreed, and they rustled around, getting ready.
"Told you." Merrick's voice was teasing, but not cruel. I finally met his gaze again, and was surprised by what he saw.
Lines under his eyes, dark and heavy.
I inhaled a little deeper and found out he was tired. Really, really tired.
"Have you been sleeping?" I asked.
"My bed doesn't smell like you," he said.
"That's not an answer."
"No, I haven't been sleeping." He finally told me the truth, and it sucked. Mostly because I knew my absence was the reason. And no, it wasn’t my fault, but I was the i***t who ran away instead of staying to
