May is the first one to reach me, she throws herself upon me, and for the first time in several weeks, my life seems complete. Tears keep falling down my cheeks and, in the end, we look like a mess of red hair.

"Amy, I missed you so much, you need to tell me everything." Her voice is so close to the breaking point that it makes me smile, but I never get to answer since the next ball of red hair is thrown upon me in the form of Gerad. I wish I wouldn't have to leave again, they mean so much to me and if I could I would go home without blinking my eye, but I know it would be looked down on, and I could never disappoint my mother.

My mom lungs her arms around my neck in a manner I didn't think I would ever see, she seems so happy and carefree that the thought of me being a hindrance to her happiness hurts in a way I have never felt before.

"America my daughter, I have missed you so much, it is not the same without you, I know I can be stubborn, but the family is not the same without your craziness." Did I just imagine that, did she say she missed me? I look for a sign of wavering or something else that could indicate it was all for the pictures, but I see none, so I need to ask.

"You missed me? I thought you wanted me away so I wouldn't interfere in your business." I am so shocked over their glee, I knew they would be happy, but they are just as ecstatic as me.

I look for my father, but I don't see him, in a second all my happiness turns into rage and fear.

"Where is he?"

"He is at home, preparing the food, he can't wait to see you." I sense that something is off, and now I can't even bring a half-hearted smile on my face. I have always been my dad's girl, my mom was always busy growing up, and my dad was so charismatic and caring that for my early childhood he was both my idol and safe space. As time went by, I started spending more time with my mom. We were both in the music industry, while my father, brother, and two sisters were pursuing panting and sculptural careers, this forced us to spend many nights together learning new songs and sewing costumes. But even though it is many years since I became close with my mom, it is still my dad's approval that I seek. The thought of something happening to him is devastating.

"Is he okay?" I'm sure I don't want an honest answer, but the words just fall out of my mouth.

"He has been better, but you don't have to worry honey. He will be fine with time." I don't have to worry? Mom just admitted that my dad isn't well. How can I not worry? It feels like my world is collapsing around me. I can't see clearly; I just feel a numbness in my entire body and my instincts take over. My eyes get clouded and my entire brain shuts down, I know that my legs are moving towards the house, but I don't feel them, they are just doing their own thing and I'm not sure I want to go where they are bringing me.

All the happiness from earlier had left and we all walked the last mile to our home in silence. They didn't drop us off at the house because I was supposed to meet with the mayor, but that would have to wait, right now I just need to see my dad.

When we reach our house, I take myself in thinking the worst. He could be dead, but why would they lie? I know that I won't calm down until I see for myself, so I open the door and slowly steps inside.

As soon as I step in I see a face I have never seen before, he is wearing a uniform and a tight looking face, he looks evil, I have no idea what he is doing inside of my home, but I know that it can't be good news.