Chapter 5

Mr. and Mrs. Miller.

Ever since the decision not to change my name, that was all I ever called them.

At first, they were furious. But after I explained that doing so prevented any slip-ups at school that might embarrass Chloe, they accepted it without another word.

What is it Helen asked, setting her purse on the counter and sinking into the couch.

Ms. Hayes told me—

Mom, look at this dress! Chloe interrupted, pulling a pastel frock from a boutique bag and holding it against herself. Doesn't it go perfectly with the white sneakers we bought last week

Helen’s attention snapped away instantly. Her eyes lit up. Oh, stunning! My darling looks gorgeous in everything.

What about this one Chloe pulled out another outfit.

That one's lovely too. With your fair skin, every color complements you.

David leaned over, smiling proudly. This one suits you best. Wear it to the family gala this weekend.

Yes, absolutely, Helen agreed. Let all the relatives see how graceful our Chloe has grown up to be.

The three of them chatted and laughed, immersed in their own world.

I stood six feet away, a ghost in their home.

I waited for five full minutes. Aside from a smug, provocative glance from Chloe, neither David nor Helen ever turned back to ask what I wanted to say.

A wave of utter exhaustion washed over me. It was pointless.

I'm going upstairs, I said quietly.

Okay, get some rest, Helen replied without even looking up.

I turned and walked up the stairs.

Behind me, Chloe’s voice rang out cheerfully Mom, this fabric is so soft. Should I buy a matching one for you so we can wear mother-daughter outfits...

Oh, you sweet girl! You always think of your mom!

The bedroom door clicked shut, cutting off the laughter.

I sat down at the small desk, pulled out my phone, and found Grandma Vance’s number.

After a brief hesitation, I dialed.

Hello Maya, honey Why are you still awake so late

Grandma Vance... I have news.

What news

I got into college early.

Early admission! To where! Her voice skyrocketed with excitement.

The top university in the country. It's official.

The line went completely dead for three seconds, followed by Grandma Vance’s tearful laughter.

Yes! Yes! I knew it! I knew our Maya could do it! Hold on, hold on, let me get Sarah! She’s on night duty—she is going to lose her mind when she hears this!

Sarah was the head caregiver at the shelter.

Listening to Grandma Vance shouting down the hall on the other end, my eyes stung with tears.

A moment later, Grandma Vance returned to the phone, her voice shaking with joy. Maya, once graduation comes, you have to come back and visit us. Bring your study notes, okay The younger kids look up to you like a hero.

I will.

By the way... did you tell your family Are they thrilled

I tightened my grip on the phone, my voice steady and flat. Yes. They were very happy.

Good, good. Now that you have a real home, parents who love you, and an incredible future, Grandma can finally rest easy.

Yeah.

Take good care of yourself over there, okay

I will, Grandma.

After ending the call, I sat in the dark.

Cars hummed in the distance outside, and faint giggles drifted up from the living room below.

I flicked on my desk lamp and opened my ledger.

On the inside cover, I wrote four words

I am going home.

Directly underneath, in smaller print

The shelter is my only home.