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Something is squeezing my throat from the inside, and I can see it, the makeup bag hidden beneath my sketchbook; I can almost hear it. The voice that says that the solution is there. But instead of giving in, I gather everything, slip the mail into my bag to check later and pause in front of my window.

Breathe. Breathe. Fucking breathe.

I hate it. The effect his neglect has on me. That disgust in his eyes, the lack of empathy, the way he looks down on me.

Calm down, Mireya. Calm down.

Deep breath, deep exhale and I go back to the kitchen.

Milo ran to me after grabbing his backpack. “Thanks, sis,” he says, taking my hand.

“Always, firefly.”

I grab my coat and lead him out, not looking back at the monster in the kitchen.

The sun is coming up as we get in the car, and I rest my head on the wheel for a second, breathing hard.

Don’t think about it, don’t think about it, don’t think about it.

Then I felt a small hand on my arm. Milo meets my eyes, smiling like it could heal everything that’s hurting me, and it does. “Can I pick the music, Reya?”

“Anything you want, baby. Let’s go.”

He grins and fiddles with the radio. Soon, the soft opening notes of the song fills the car. It’s always so strange to see him try his best to make me smile when he shouldn't. He's just a kid; he should be just a kid.

Almost instinctively, we start singing together, softly at first, voices blending in a clumsy, off-key harmony as I drove off.

“Wait, you’re saying it wrong!” He whispers, grinning.

“Yeah, well, sue me!”

By the time we pull into the school parking lot, I turn toward him and brush a kiss on his cheek. “Have a nice day, firefly,” I say softly.

He smiles widely, brushing his fingers over mine. “You too. Pinky promise?”

“Pinky promise,” I agree, squeezing his hand. “Be safe at school, okay?”

He hops out, backpack slung over his shoulders and waves back at me. “Okay, love you, bye!”

“Love you, bye,” I call back, waving until he disappears behind the school doors.

I lean back in my seat and finally open the mail. Bills and more bills. But then I see my name on one of them. My hands are shaking, my heart racing as I slit the blue envelope.

St. Ellesta Academy

Student number: 7779310

Dear Miss Vitelli,

We are pleased to inform you that your application to St. Ellesta Academy has been accepted. It is with our greatest pleasure to write to congratulate you on your admission to the Class of 2010. Congratulations on earning your place, and welcome to St. Ellesta Academy.

You have been admitted to the Advanced Behavioral Analysis (ABA2) Program.

St. Ellesta Academy is one of the most sought-after prestigious institutions here in Seraphin Bay Island. For over a century, the academy’s motto, “Respice finem” - ‘Consider the End’, has been at the forefront of our students' minds and has guided them through the trials and tribulations they will face here at the academy.

As an Ellesta student, you will study, train, and research alongside accomplished faculty and distinguished scholars, and create life-long friendships and memories. Should you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us at the provided number or email address.

Sincerely,