Scrubbing the soiled dishes in the kitchen, I made a conscious effort to clear my mind of any burdensome thoughts. Today felt like an endless day – on my birthday, I encountered a new and mysterious person, faced a surprising turn of events, and ended up battered by Amara. Now, here I am, dealing with dirty dishes that weren't even mine to begin with. Mom, if you're watching from wherever you are, can you truly see me? I doubt it. A frown crossed my face as I shook my head, pondering the purpose of my actions. She was gone, never to return. With her passing, my life took a turn for the worse. If she were alive, I might have experienced a life of tranquility, enjoyed a complete family, and escaped the label of being an outcast in school. However, her demise set the stage for my misery. My

