a's

d at us, breathed, and then looked down. Lisa and I were kneeling on the floor because

didn't want Marisa to grow up in that kind of atmosphere, so she placed Marisa

she raised her legs. She nibbles on her socks with h

get a crib for Marisa since it isn't safe for

d embraced her. "Why

men? You messaged me that y

you very much. "Thank you," she chanted again, her head bowed low. Lisa began to curl into a ball, as if it were her safe haven. "T

e she fell asleep on the carpet. Lilly spreads a blanket

s hair, showing more of the marks on Lisa's bo

Marisa's plump face. "I'm sorr

r arms over her. "It would be worse

s a strained connection with her parents, who send her just enough money for college and l

and pillows after some ruffling. She gives me one of each before to

ow. "I can call my parents." That would

asked, smiling. "What happened to giving yourself one more

sa and Marisa. "Am

to her back. "You got nearly 400 job rejections, but you still fought and bit your tongue, you applied, knowing

rents paid her college

rateful brat." I laughed, "That small

ow."

understand why parents think their daughters need to marry to be happy,

l life. One, barely survives on the funds sent to her by her parents while atte

r, what they believe is best for me. They believe I should marry a respectable man and start a family. Who

erstand either." I ben

, "Let's talk about it tomorro

eved we slept soundly. I had a dream about someone while the

"S

en I examined it, I noticed a rather cheeky guy with wondrous features,

n?" I

n you show me the location of this class?" When I

ft. "Down the hall, turn right, an

Before proceeding along the corr

e other kids. It wasn't their fault; I wasn't moving quickly enough

the floor. I stack the papers one by one till another is dragged in

s grasp. Sam squatted and set his books down

im in the eyes. "I-I ne

fer st

are you

U

breath brushed my face, my cheeks scorched. With a trembling breath, I inhale t

He offers it to me and says, "Be more careful from now on." I reach for the ba

next time someone bumps into you, don't t