An hour later, they returned home. Ivy went straight to her room without a word. She stepped into the bathroom, shut the door behind her, and turned on the shower.

She sank to the floor under the spray, still dressed, her thoughts spiraling. Joe, you're a jerk! She scrubbed her skin furiously, as if she could wash away everything. Tears blurred her vision. Her voice trembled as she whispered, “I hate myself.”

She didn’t know how long she sat there. Eventually, she stepped out of the ...