Kiera sat on the bed with her head between her knees. Her long, tangled hair fell all around her like a curtain. She didn’t move. She just stayed like that, quiet, for a long time. Her mind felt blank. Empty.

A knock at the door made her jump. Her heart raced. She didn’t expect anyone. Slowly, she raised her head and looked toward the door. For a moment, she didn’t know what to do. Then, carefully, she got up and walked to the door, her legs feeling shaky.

She opened it a crack, just ...