By the time I reached the Henson estate, darkness had fallen. I carried an oil-paper umbrella, completely out of place. Inside, speakers blared, and the air was thick with laughter and celebration.
"Mom, Dad, big brother—is it really okay to ignore Fiona? What if she really was kidnapped?"
"If she'd actually been kidnapped, would she have time to keep calling us? Forget about her. Today, you're the star."
Mom and Jordan Henson stood beside Diana as she cut her cake, their faces soft with affection.
I'd almost forgotten how many years it had been since they'd looked at me that way. All I could remember was the last call the kidnappers made on my behalf.
"Let her die first, then come collect the body!"
I touched my chest. My heart had clearly stopped beating. So why did it still hurt?
"God, you scared me! Diana, why is your sister just standing there like a ghost? And carrying something meant for the dead?"
I stepped inside. Their frowns deepened. Some covered their mouths.
"What is that smell!"
"Ugh..."
Mom glanced at my dress with open disgust. Maybe because it was mixed with so much else, the bloodstains didn't show anymore.