ALEXANDER

"Mom, I'm not here for your games, so please answer me. I've got a lot to handle."

"Here," she placed the plate before me. "Best served with pineapple."

My hands were visibly shaking now. I forced myself to stand still, yet all my mind screamed was to turn both the table and the food upside down.

"If you don't answer me, Mom, I would walk out of this door, and you might not see me again."

The fake smile on her face vanished as she sat down slowly.

"And don't bother lying ...