Evelyn's POV

I'm heading back to my room, trying to shake off the weight of my father's words. He called me to the omega staff room while he clocked out from work, and for thirty solid minutes, he tore into me. Called me a failure. A disgrace. A burden. The usual—but at least today, his fists stayed by his sides.

My steps echo down the corridor as I pass the kitchen, eyes low, until I round a corner and come face-to-face with a little boy. He can't be more than ...