I can't respond. What can I say? My denial rips through me in a physical rush, like a response to a blow. Dad starts toward me, only to have Aunt Vonda grab his arm, stop him.

"You leave her be," she says, angry and shaking. "You hear me Richard? You leave that girl alone."

Dad pulls free of her. "I'm doing nothing of the sort," he snaps. "I've had enough of this foolishness." He meets my eyes, his burning with rage. "Where the hell have you been?"

"Out." Is he ...