" Mom said she forgot something and went and got a pill. She told me to take it now, it was the "morning after" pill.I told her I was on the pill, and... she explained to me that it was to make absolutely sure I didn't get pregnant again. She reminded me I was on the pill the last time and had gotten pregnant.I looked at her and said, "Mom! I love you so much. You're the only one who understands." I started crying.She hugged me, and told me to let it out. We all needed a decent cry once in awhile.. "How are you doing mom," he asked."Now, I'm doing fine. It's good to have you home. I missed having my big man around the house," replied Kathryn."Mom, you've been calling me your big man ever since I was fifteen years old and Dad left." Yes, but now you are my big man, you're eighteen and have been away from home for almost four months. I missed you more than you know."They went and got his luggage loaded in the car and drove home. "They talked all the way home Well, Derrick talked, Kathryn. ..yeah," Miranda stammered. "I'm Heather. What's your name?" the woman asked quietly. "Miranda." It came out as a whisper. Then, just loud enough for the others nearby to hear: "Oh my god! Miranda! I haven't seen you in ages! I didn't recognize you without your glasses...how are you?" Heather pulled another chair up next to Miranda and continued to make inane small talk just loud enough to be heard nearby. Once seated, she leaned close as if the two were sharing an inside joke. "I think I. “So you’re hearing things now? Is that it? Is that really what you need?”No one answered. And hearing his own voice did little to steady his nerves. “You’re just... you’re drinking too much. Sweating wine. Hearing things. Gonna end up like Dad if you don’t cut it out.”Steeling himself, Owen stuck his head underwater again. This time all he heard was an aquatic hush. No voice, no singing. Just silence. He came up, satisfied, pushing the wet hair from his eyes as he turned back around toward the.