GINGER:

“Honey!” My mother’s voice echoes through the house. “Hu is here.”

I already know that’s why she’s calling. I sling my backpack over my shoulder, taking one more look at myself.

“You do not have to listen to what anyone has to say.”

The words I say to myself are to make me remember I owe no one anything about what happened in my family. I inhale deeply, rushing to the door.

My mum opens it immediately, and we lock eyes. She holds her breath, and I shake my ...