Chapter 77

Once we’re back, it’s hard to keep his family’s emotions under control. Neal is the only one who can contain himself. He looks at us with the kindly expression of a slim Santa Claus, with no beard or mustache. Brigit and Colin have shining smiles and they clap, happy to see us. I look at Sean, who is trying to protect us from the onslaught of questions, and start thinking that, should this thing have happened months ago, I probably would have gone crazy and hidden myself somewhere. Inside I’m screaming like a hysterical girl but I’m much calmer on the outside. I’m almost proud of myself.

Obviously, since Sean is present, his parents start things off and pepper us with questions, because they think it wouldn’t be fair to only focus their curiosity on me. At least this way I don’t feel like I’m going to have a panic attack.

Sean had only told them a little about us, so to my dismay they want to hear everything from my side. I’m uncomfortable being under the microscope.