I only understood that my father was asking for my help to fix things, and I wanted to be a good daughter. I wanted to be less of a burden.

“Will you still visit me?” I whispered.

“Of course, sweetie,” he lied, pressing a heavy gold pen into my shaking hand. “Every single day. Just sign right there on the bottom line.”

I signed my name. Emily Higgins.

Thomas snatched the clipboard back, eager and quick. He didn’t hug me. Karen didn’t look at me.

They turned and walked out, and the heavy wooden door clicked shut. That click was the sound of my family severing themselves from me forever.