I woke up to the sun streaming through the windows, far too bright for my liking. I groaned, pulling the blanket over my head, but the light had already done its job. With a huff, I threw the covers aside and sat up, rubbing my eyes. For a moment, I wished I was back home with my aunt. She would have been fussing over me by now, helping me dress, brushing my hair while I complained. I even missed her nagging.
I wondered how she was doing, especially with the baby on the way. I wouldn’t even be there when it was born. And my mother—she was expecting too. In just a few months, I’d have a baby brother. The thought of being away from them twisted something in my chest.
I shook off the feeling and headed to the tiny bathroom attached to my room. It wasn’t much—just a shower and a toilet, wit
