It must be a hoax.

It has to be a hoax.

I still haven't answered Monica's message.

I'm kind of paralyzed to answer.

I'm hypnotized.

My phone beeps again. 

This time, I look at the screen, and type back my reply.

Yeah, just got distracted.

For half an hour?!

I snicker at her answer.

I slide the phone in my pocket, and go upstairs to my father's room.

'Father? Can I come in?'

After gently knocking his door, I peep in to see my father upset, holding his face in his hands. At hearing the knock, he jerks his head up.

'What do you want?'

I'm taken aback by his agitated answer. He never talks like this.

'Go away. Felicia. Just give me time.'

For a moment I stand there, waiting for him to stand up and face me. But he doesn't. He's just sitting there, his back towards me.

'Um...okay, I'll come back later.'

I slowly drag myself out of the room.

'Move aside please.'

I turn my body around to see Micah.

'Oh, sorry.'

'Seriously, what's gotten into you today, Felia?'

'Hm? No nothing, Mickey. Oh, did you or Callie upset dad? Cuz he's in his room. He's...angry.'

'Nope. Must be Macey.'

'Macey's at school.'

'Oh yeah whatever. Why bother? Leave him alone. He needs time by himself.'