Chapter 144: Chapter 144: Pseudo Life

A TAPPING SOUND INVADED my depressing thoughts and I looked toward it. Ruthie clicked her long nails on the steering wheel with extra fervor, scowling. Obviously, she was upset, and who wouldn't be after what we'd been through? I opened my mouth to ask how she was doing, but she beat me to it.

"Oh my gosh! Finally," she said. "I've been trying to get your attention for miles!"

"Sorry. I was just thinking."

"Well, obviously. And I don't blame you for zoning. But I'm dying to ask what's going on in your head. That was very intense stuff back there. Did you really mean what you said to Caroline? That she wasn't your family?"

I closed my eyes. "I don't know. I know it sounded cold. But she's not my family. Not like Mom and Dad are."