"Savannah, you are always welcome here. I'm currently leading a team on an inspection tour across the states, so take your time settling your personal affairs. You can report for duty after the New Year."
I read the words twice, then exhaled a breath I'd been holding for years. Just get through the holidays. Once the New Year passed, my new life would begin.
That night, I slept deeper than I had in a long time.
New Year's Eve arrived with a biting chill.
I'd fully prepared to spend the holiday alone in my rental apartment—bought a few groceries, resigned myself to the silence. Then my phone buzzed.
Mom and Dad.
I stared at the screen, finger hovering over decline. After a long pause, I swiped to answer.
"Hello?"
"Savannah?" Mom's voice was soft. Tentative. A tone I hadn't heard in years. "It's New Year's Eve... why haven't you come home?"
I stayed silent, gripping the phone.
She didn't get angry. Instead, she let out an awkward chuckle. "Come on, now. What family holds a grudge overnight? Angry words are spoken in the heat of the moment—are you really going to hold onto them for a lifetime?"