A Missing Key 218 Missed Calls One Family Secret novel Chapter 33

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

You know what’s torture? It’s not life or death-it’s smelling those juicy burgers right there while I’m stuck eating pathetic cold Dread!

My family owned the greasiest burger joint in the roughest part of town. But those burgers went to my little brother and paying customers.

Me? I ONLY got whatever bread fell on the floor.

I tried fighting back, but Mom shut me down every time: “Fat girls die alone.”

One day, this fierce looking guy covered in terrifying tattoo patterns on his chest and back walked in.

He ordered the same meal as last time-I recognized him-he was our restaurant’s regular customer.

Looking at the bread crumbs on my plate that even dogs wouldn’t eat, he said:

“What the hell, kid? You don’t even have a damn burger on that plate?”

I jumped so hard I almost dropped my fork.

I didn’t dare look up or say anything, just buried my head lower, wishing I could crawl inside my empty plate.

This man with the tiger pattern on his arm-I secretly called him Uncle Tiger.

He came every day, sat in the same spot by the door, kicked back with his big boots propped up on the opposite chair.

The moment he walked in. Mom would drop everything and rush over with this fake smile plastered on her face. “Tiger’s

here.

Dad would poke his head out from the kitchen too. “Hey, Tiger.”

Then Dad would make him the biggest burger we had, loaded with thick beef patties and a perfectly fried egg on top.

Mom said Tiger came to “collect money” so our restaurant could stay open without any trouble.

I didn’t get it. All I knew was Tiger got more meat in one meal than I saw in a whole week

Right then, Tiger’s eagle eyes were locked on my plate.

Mom’s smile froze. She hurried over and grabbed my shoulder hard.

“Oh Tiger, don’t mind her-she’s such a picky eater! Won’t touch vegetables or meat, only wants plain fries.”

While she was talking, she pinched the back of my neck so hard it stung.

10.22

A Missing Key, 218 Missed Calls, One Family Secret

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify