Everyone looked at me like I was a lunatic. Like, I was losing my mind over the issue. I saw the shift in the onlookers’ eyes—the confusion, the judgment, the quiet amusement of those who expected me to fail—and I felt a sharp wave of shame sweep over me. I should not have screamed. I should not have let myself fall into my enemy’s trap. But I had. And now, I was standing before them, exposed.

My eyes darted to the spot where I had last seen that ugly, mocking face—and there she was. ...