NOVA
I hum softly and sit on the armchair across from him. I glance around and raise an eyebrow. "where's drew?"
"he's taking a nap."
I nod gently and sit back. I glance up at him. "okay...so uhm...what's going on?"
He mirrored my movements and lean back in the couch too. " your mum texted me." He said calmly.
The air leaves my lungs. "That's not funny."
"I'm not joking, Nova." He reaches for his phone with trembling fingers, unlocks it and turns the screen to me. "She wants to see you. She wants to...take you in."
I blink sharply and stare at him silently for a split second. "What exactly are you on about, dad? you can't possibly be serious about all of this, right?" I whisper, my heart suddenly beating too fast. "Dad...? Say something." I whisper fervently hoping in my heart that it was all an elaborate prank or something.
"I am dead serious."
"wow...that sure is a lot to take in." I run my hand through my hair. stand from the couch and walk towards the front door. "I need a walk. I'll see you later." I walk out of the house not waiting for his response.
***
I walk down the street in silence, my phone in my pocket and headphones over both my ears. I turn the volume up, desperately hoping the music can drown out reality for a moment.
I live in a very quiet neighborhood. Not a particularly rich one. It's mostly middle-class people who can fend for themselves well enough but can't afford the bigger luxuries. Everyone keeps to themselves, and not that I minded. I have no friends around here. No one to talk to, as always. And of course I don't mind... or at least that's what I keep telling myself.
I round a bend and spot a small coffee shop just beyond the corner.
The bell over the door chimes softly as I step inside. I make my way to the counter, order a black coffee, and wait, watching the barista move as if this was just any other day.
"You said black coffee? No sugar, no milk?" the barista repeats, eyebrows lifting like he can't quite believe a girl my size ordered that.
I nod. "Yes, please. No sugar, no milk." I force a tiny smile. "Thanks."
I step aside to let the next customer order and wrap my hands around the warm paper cup when it's finally slid across the counter. The heat stings my fingers, but I welcome the distraction. I pick a small table by the window, sink into the chair, and stare out at the street instead of touching the coffee. People walk past, laughing, checking their phones, existing like the world hasn't just tried to flip mine inside out.