Chapter 5

Mrs. Sinclair held my hand all the way to my house.

When she pushed the door open, the apartment was a total mess.

Tommy was throwing his toys everywhere, and Mom was chasing him around with a bowl, trying to force-feed him.

Seeing Mrs. Sinclair, Mom froze, quickly wiping her hands on her apron.

Mrs. Sinclair didn't waste time on pleasantries. She placed the summer camp registration form on the table.

"Mrs. Miller, why didn't you attend the School Open House today?"

Mom’s face turned red, and she tried to defend herself.

"Teacher, we have three kids. We have to be fair. Summer is mature, so naturally, we have to spend more time worrying about the two who aren't."

Mrs. Sinclair cut her off sharply.

"Her being mature is not an excuse for you to neglect her! Summer’s grades are exceptional. She won a spot at the prestigious state summer camp. It needs a parent's signature, and I hope you won't let her down again!"

Hearing the words "state summer camp," Dad, who had been watching TV on the couch, suddenly stood up.

"Summer camp? Can we transfer that spot to Mason?"

Mrs. Sinclair was shocked.

"Summer earned that spot with her top grades! How could you give it to her brother?"

"What's the point of a girl getting an education? Mason is the future of this family!" Dad said, completely shameless.

Mrs. Sinclair was speechless with anger. She warned them that if they didn't sign, she would report the situation to the school board and social services.

As soon as the teacher left, Mom rushed over and snatched the registration form from the table.

"This is perfect for Mason. You're just a girl anyway. It’d be a waste for you to go."

I grabbed the corner of the paper with a sudden surge of strength.

"It’s mine! Mrs. Sinclair said only I can go!"

Dad marched over and slapped me hard across the face.

I lost my footing and fell, my forehead slamming violently against the sharp corner of the coffee table.

A sharp, blinding pain shot through my head. Warm liquid began to trickle down my forehead and into my eye.

Mom shrieked.

"Richard! Look what you did!"

For a second, I thought she was finally going to care about me.

But she didn't come to help me up.

Instead, she frantically pulled Tommy back.

"Move out of the way, Tommy! Don't let this girl's blood ruin your new sneakers!"