I am going to my mother’s house today, and I’m already prepared and dressed. I locked my door, my hand lingering on the knob for a second. I don’t know what I’m going to face there. I just prayed we would be able to solve their issue somehow.

As I walked to the bus stop, the morning air felt too sharp on my skin. Every sound, from cars passing to people talking, felt louder than normal. I tried to ignore it. I entered the bus to their place and leaned my head on the window, hoping the ...