The morning air was cool, brushing softly against Ivy’s skin as she stood in front of the mirror.The sun was still rising, and its gentle light crept through her window, touching the edge of her desk where an opened box of makeup sat.

Her fingers moved slowly, almost nervously, over the brushes and powders. Today wasn’t like any other day. Evelyn was returning to school after her suspension.

And Ivy knew what that meant, stares, whispers, maybe worse.

Still, she stared at her reflection, ...