When I calmed down, I looked at their faces. These people were supposed to be my family. The very people who should have protected me.
Dad's explanation wasn't enough. It would never be. But it gave me something I didn't expect. Closure. At least now I knew I hadn't done anything wrong. I was punished for something that was never in my hands and never my fault.
If the roles were reversed, I'm aware they wouldn't give me any grace. That, I am very sure of. But I also knew I didn't have it in me to put them out on the street. I had first-hand experience of what cold nights did to a person. Ruben had locked me out enough times for me to know.
My eyes fell on Nina still kneeling on the floor. Of all the people in the world, she was the last person I expected to feel anything for. But I knew
