Twelve Years Waiting for a House Key

The day I finish my college entrance exam, I drag my suitcase back to my parents' house downtown.

When Mom opens the door, the first thing she says is, "Now that your college entrance exam is over, stay home for a while."

She says a while, not for good.

There are three children in our family. My older brother, Samuel Stroud, and my younger sister, Isabelle Stroud, have always lived with our parents, while I was raised by my grandparents.

Samuel has his own study, while Isabelle has her own bedroom.

I sleep in the living room.