I nod, getting the hidden message in her words. We both know that "protection" in our world really means control, dressed up as family care.

"I'm sorry," I say quietly, fully aware that my words fall short.

Sandra shrugs again, a touch of resignation in her tone. "It is what it is. You know that as well as I do."

I let out a bitter laugh, the sound echoing hollowly in the fancy room. "Yeah," I reply, because what else can I say? We're both stuck in the same golden ...