Little Stranger

[KAELIA BRYNN HALLOWAY]

My fingers are shaky; I cannot keep the phone still as I stare into the light of the bedside lamp.

My breathing is an equal mimic, fingers tightening against the tiny phone.

"Are you alright? I-I've been so worried, I-"

"Kaelia breathe..." my Dad whispers. His voice is calm and firm, yet he cannot hide the relief in it.

I hold a breath, afraid that it is all just a dream.