Chapter 3: Ghosts, Goodbyes, and TV Surprises

“Autumn, the hospital called. They said your father’s condition has worsened. Before he dies, he wants to see you one last time.”

I’d just gotten off work. My mom was bringing out the dishes for dinner. The smell of roast chicken filled the kitchen, but my appetite vanished at her words.

I changed my shoes and replied, “Mom, I know.”

My dad is dying.

In my heart, honestly, he died twenty years ago.

He married his mistress the day after divorcing my mom. The mistress was already over four months pregnant. The betrayal was still fresh, the wound never really healed.

When things were hardest, I called him for money.

He said over the phone he had no daughter.

The mistress grabbed the phone and mocked my mom for not being able to have a son. Her voice was sharp, the kind of cruelty that lingers long after the call ends.

Life is just that dramatic sometimes.

Last year, he was diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer. The mistress suggested selling the house for treatment.

But as soon as the house was sold, she disappeared with the money—and his beloved son. The ultimate betrayal, and he never saw it coming.

“This young man is really handsome.”

My mom held Lily while eating, eyes glued to the TV, not even blinking. She’d always been practical, never one for celebrity gossip.

“Who is it?”

She’d always scorned looks, always warning me not to judge men by appearances. Her sudden interest was almost comical.

Curious, I glanced at the TV.

Wait. That’s Carter Reed?

“What’s so great about celebrity news?”

I tried to play it cool and changed the channel.

Wait!

As soon as I put down the remote, I realized something!

I grabbed the remote and switched back.

The food in my mouth suddenly lost all flavor.

Why is Carter Reed being interviewed in New York?

“We’re very happy to have Carter Reed for an exclusive interview. Say hi to your American fans!”

The reporter handed the mic to Carter.

Carter looked into the camera. “Hello everyone, I’m Carter Reed. I’m really happy to be in New York.”

Fans behind him screamed, almost drowning out the host. Their faces were flushed, some holding homemade signs with his name in glittery letters.

“I heard you’re preparing for your first U.S. tour concert. Is that true?”

“Yes.”

“How long will you stay in New York this time?”

“Not sure. Besides brand events, I have some personal matters to handle.”

Feeling uneasy, I hit the power button and turned off the TV.

My right eyelid keeps twitching lately.

Left eye means luck, right eye means... whatever. Superstitious nonsense. Still, I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling.