A warm hand is on my shoulder when I wake up. When I slowly turn around, Derrick is standing there. "You took a very long nap. Get dressed and follow me. I would like to take you to the pack house." His tone was commanding; this was a command rather than a question. I get out of bed and head to the restroom.

There, I wash my face, brush my black hair, and rinse my mouth with mouthwash. Derrick is there waiting for me when I return to the bedroom. He holds my hand as I try to move by ...