Through tear-filled eyes, I saw Ms. Priss. Leaning on her cane. Bent and bowed from being so hated for so long. I struggled upright. Took a step. And then another. She didn’t strike out at me. Just watched and waited. I pulled her into me and held on tight. “I love you,” I whispered. “Promise, I’ll do better. For both of us. Even if Kal leaves, even if my sisters are gone. You’ve still got me. You’re not alone.” There was a loud crack. My heart stopped as what had been so carefully contained deep within broke free.
