Open House

by Katie Sise

Disappeared, missing, dead: words Haley used interchangeably about what could have happened to her sister that night, the truth existing somewhere in the dark spaces between them.

Noah’s dad had a major company in New York City that he’d always expected Noah to take over, and apparently Noah was a complete failure in his eyes for becoming a real estate agent. Josie said Noah’s parents barely spoke to him now. Haley couldn’t imagine ever letting go of a family member over something as unimportant as a career choice. But maybe people who did things like that didn’t understand real loss.

she couldn’t help noticing the way Emma started wearing black T-shirts because that’s what she thought true artists wore, and how it seemed like, after a few years as an art student, the dark T-shirts started seeping inward, clouding the sunny person she’d once been.

“Emma’s not gone because of you,” she said, making her voice as strong as she could. “I don’t believe that. And I need you, too. What about staying alive because I’m here?” she asked, her voice a whisper. Her dad ran a hand over his lined skin and looked out Emma’s window into the snow. “You’d be okay without me,” he finally said, and Liv started crying even harder, her eyes on Haley. “It’s the truth,” he said to both of them, “you know it is. I haven’t been much of a father since Emma disappeared. And you’re so strong, Haley.” “I’m not strong enough to lose you,” Haley said. “I still need you.”