7

When the figure came fully into the light I could see that it was only my father.

“What are you still doing up this late, Cameron?” he asked sternly�"still keeping his voice low, as not to wake Mom.

“I just wanted to�"” I started, but he interrupted me.

“If your mother knew you were out at this hour she would blow a fuse! Go upstairs and get in bed right now!”

I didn’t fight him. I was too exhausted by that point.

Instead, I lowered my head in defeat and did as he commanded.

I dragged myself up the staircase like a slug, and I was off to bed.