The Phone Call That Unraveled My Life

e thing." Her worth, reduced to his whim. But the smooth skin on h

e absence of scars was more than skin

er portfolio wasn't just out; it contained a recently accepted logo

ot to. He was his usual self, demanding br

en without the scars, you're still just... Sarah. Don't get any ideas." He grabbed

nd away. "It chan

held a flicker of something she c

d, her voice steady. "Video cal

it. "So? She

? How to further h

re so dramatic. I

hat is

can do whatever I want, Sarah. And you'll sti

nce was su

, Sarah! The doctor said she needs rest, and... well, you know her blood

"She fainted, Mom. She doesn't n

han is bringing her. Ju

xpression grim. "Jessica's not well. We need

rah said. "She do

. "Are you a docto

y. Ethan (19) had rushed her to the ER, frantic, his concern palpable. This Etha

her. Ethan (32) stood by, his hand on Jessica's shoulder. No one looked at Sarah after the nurse confirmed her

ne buzzed.

The ski trip?

r eyes fluttering open. She saw Sarah, and

"You came. So good of you. Ethan was so worried about

avoiding Sa

yone has to take care of me. Especially Ethan. He's so good to me." She reached for a

dragged the blade across her own forearm,

at did you

around. Mr. and M

hrieked, tears welling. "She

ted with rage. He slapped her, hard, across

he roared. "H

. As Ethan (32) raised his hand to hit her again, a voic

R! DON'T YO

ice, raw with an agony