Elena’s Point Of View

The room went very still. My sister’s face went white, her mouth forming a sound that was not yet a cry. I could feel every beat of my heart like a curse. For a moment I saw nothing but my mother’s face… lined, hard, convinced of a righteousness that we were not allowed to question.

“Mom,” I managed. “You…”

She cut me off with a look so absolute I folded inside it. “It’s decided. After three days, and if you’re still proving stubborn, then I’ll ...