and checked into a small motel outside Asheville.
Then the calls began.
Mom.
Dad.
Madison.
Dad again.
Madison six more times.
By dinner, I had seventeen missed calls.
Then Dad texted.
Claire. Call immediately. Something is very wrong.
I nearly ignored it.
Instead, I stepped onto the motel balcony and called.
Dad answered immediately.
“Where are you?”
His voice sounded frantic.
“The electric company says yesterday’s payment bounced. The internet is overdue. Your mother checked the household account and there’s practically nothing in it.”
“That sounds unfortunate.”
“Claire!”
Mom grabbed
