Page 182 of Sweet Nightmare

My father’s expression softens.

“Lying to me will never be necessary.”

I sigh.

Of course it won’t.

Not with him.

“What’s wrong?” he asks gently. “Are you having a bad time in South Korea? I’ll fly there right now and get you.”

A tiny laugh escapes me, and Dad’s eyes light up immediately. They always do when I smile or laugh around him.

It’s rare.

And every time it happens, his entire face changes as if he’s saving the memory in his heart to keep it with him forever.

“It’s not that.”

“Then what is it?”

I look down at my nails, absently picking at the clear gel.

Most people accept the mask of indifference I’ve perfected over the years.

My parents never have.

They know me too well.

They always have.

“Everything’s fine.”

“Mhm.”

He doesn’t believe me.

“Artemis.”

I consider lying to him a little longer but then I remember exactly who I inherited my stubbornness from.

Dad sighs dramatically.

“Your mother was right.”

I narrow my eyes.

“Right about what?”

“That somehow, you’ve become even more stubborn with age.”

Another reluctant laugh escapes me, louder this time and Dad’s entire face lights up. I swear he collects my smiles like he used to collect his enemy’s body parts once like they’re rare treasures.

“I miss you,” he says suddenly, his voice softer. “I miss you dearly.”

The words hit me with surprising force, and something inside my chest melts.

“You saw me a few days ago.”