Your father is dead

Star drove me to the hospital my stepmother sent an address for. I frantically clasped my hands as I prayed for my father's safety. I'm aware that we don't have the best relationship, but that doesn't mean that I'm ready to lose him.

“Your father will be okay, Jewel.” Star sent a comforting look my way. “You don't have to be nervous.”

“I can't help it, Star. The way she sounded over the phone made it seem like he was dead already. I don't know what to do if something happens to him, Star. He's the only family I have. I can't —”

“Listen to me, Jewel. Your father just had a stroke and was taken to the hospital. Nothing is going to happen to him. You've got to stop your train of thought.” She glanced at me before she turned her focus on the road.

Her tight grip on the steering wheel is the only evidence of what she's truly feeling deep within her.

I sat still in the passenger's seat and joined my hands together. I nervously picked my fingers, to keep my mind off the thoughts of my fat