Emma’s world was upended when her father abruptly called her home from university, only to demand she vacate her room for her reckless stepbrother. Months later, another urgent call revealed their family home in ruins, igniting a journey of redemption and rebuilding for them all.
I was deep into my biology textbook at the university library. My laptop was open, and my notes were scattered around me. The smell of coffee filled the air as I sipped from my cup, trying to stay focused. Then my phone rang, breaking my concentration.
It was Dad. He never called just to chat. My heart skipped a beat as I answered.
“Emma, I need you to come home right away,” he said. His voice sounded strange, urgent.
“Is everything okay, Dad?” I asked, feeling a knot form in my stomach.
“Just come home,” he repeated and hung up.
I packed my things quickly, my mind racing. Why did Dad sound so urgent? I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. I grabbed my bag and headed out of the library, barely remembering to throw away my coffee cup on the way out.
The drive home was a blur. My thoughts were a mess of worry and confusion. Dad never called like this. What could be so important?
When I pulled up to our modest house on the outskirts of the city, I saw Linda’s car in the driveway. Inside, I found Dad, Linda, and Jacob sitting in the living room. The atmosphere was tense.
