Chapter 73-02

I'll...talk to you later. I squeaked, clutching my books close to my chest as I forced myself to keep walking. Wait, Danny, please, no-I cut him off. Don't come, Josh. I said, imagining my wall going up around my mind. It suddenly dawned on me, the way thoughts often do. Today was Thanksgiving. But for me, there was no big feast, there was no family gathering, but there was only one thing to be thankful for. Josh. The knob burned my hand as I grabbed it, taking a deep breath. I pushed it open ever so slightly, holding my breath. The sounds of laughter, drinking, and poker chips greeted me. Five men were seated around the coffee table, a set of poker chips and cards lain out. Bottles of beer accompanied each man, and one was gripped in the hands of my drunken father. He stood, swaying slightly, his nostrils flared, and eyes glazed over with something more than anger. He made his way over the others, tripping m