"Syd. Open the door."

Mom's voice sounded tired, so tired, but I didn't care.

I remained where I was, buried under the covers, door firmly locked.

"Go away!" I yelled at her.

"Syd, honey, please," she begged. "Let me explain..."

I sat up and threw the hideous pink silk pillow she forced into my life at the door as hard as I could. It made a less than satisfying thunk.

"LEAVE ME ALONE!" I searched around for bigger and more breakable stuff to ...