Savannah Watson

The front door flew open, causing Owen to jump, and his mom and sister entered the house, engaged in an animated conversation. Olivia dropped her softball gear with a thud.

“Owen, what are you doing?” his mother asked, spotting him loitering in the hallway.

“Uh… nothing.”

His mother’s eyebrow went up slightly, then she shrugged. “Dad and I are going out for dinner tonight. Do you want money for take-out?”

Owen shrugged, his mind still reeling. As she went, his mom passed him on her way to the kitchen and planted a kiss on the top of his head.

“Are you okay, Owen? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” Olivia said after their mother was out of earshot.

“I’m… fine.” Owen’s eyes darted over to the picture again, then back to his sister.

Olivia approached him and glanced at the baby picture on the wall.

“How was practice?” Owen said quickly, trying to distract her.

Olivia looked at him sharply. “Why are you acting weird? Or more weird than normal.”

“Shut up,” Owen shoved her playfully; although, he was feeling far from playful.

Olivia shoved him back, grinning. Looking at her, Owen felt strange. He had always been aware of how different they looked – where Olivia had black hair, Owen had blonde. Where Olivia’s eyes were teal, Owen’s were chocolate. Where Olivia looked like a perfect combination of their parents, Owen looked like neither. He had always attributed the differences to recessive genes, but now he wasn’t so sure.

“I’m going to my room to finish my homework,” Owen said suddenly, hurrying for the stairs.

Owen threw himself into his chair and returned to his abandoned Language Arts homework. He shoved his earbuds in and started a true crime podcast. As Owen worked, a soft female voice poured information about Ted Bundy into his brain.

He didn’t hear his mother call up to say goodbye.

Finale tomorrow: October 31st!

• Facebook
• Spotify

---