Chapter 4

The day of the School Open House arrived.

The classroom was packed. Every student had their parents sitting proudly beside them.

The chair next to me remained empty.

I sat up straight, looking directly ahead, trying my best to pretend Mom was sitting right there.

As long as I didn't look at the chair, I wouldn't cry.

Then, it was my turn to give the student representative speech on stage.

But looking at the crowd of parents staring back at me, my throat locked up.

Mrs. Sinclair looked at me warmly.

"Summer, please invite your mom to join you on stage."

My hands, clutching my speech, sweat profusely.

"My mom couldn't make it."

The parents in the audience began to whisper among themselves.

Mrs. Sinclair paused, then walked over and took my hand.

Her hand was incredibly warm—a kind of warmth I had never felt at home.

She took the microphone.

"Summer is an outstanding student. Today, I will stand in as her parent."

At that moment, the tears I had held back all night almost spilled over.

After the Open House, Mrs. Sinclair pulled me into her office.

She poured me a cup of warm water, her eyes falling on my red, swollen wrists.

"Summer, tell me the truth. Is your family treating you badly?"

I shook my head.

"Mom says there are three of us. I have to be the mature one. I shouldn't fight for things."

Mrs. Sinclair’s face flushed with anger.

She slammed a stack of documents onto her desk.

"That’s not being mature, that’s abuse! You got the highest score in the class. There is a fully-funded state summer camp opportunity, and our school only got two spots. It requires a parent's signature. I am coming to your house today."

Taking my hand, Mrs. Sinclair walked me out with determination.