The door before me was the one I'd dreamt about for two long years. But now, standing in front of it felt like standing on the edge of a cliff. After taking a moment to compose myself, I finally knocked.
My mother, Melanie Kessler, opened the door, looking surprised. "Nina, you're back? I was just about to send your dad to pick you up!" She gave me a once-over and forced a concerned look. "You've lost weight over these two years. It must have been tough."
If only I hadn't overheard their conversation, if only her concern had been genuine, how wonderful that would be. I managed a bittersweet smile, "No worries. Taxis are convenient now."
With that, I stepped inside.
Greta immediately rushed over and sprayed me with alcohol until the bottle was empty. Only then did she look at me. "Don't take it the wrong way. I'm just cleansing you of bad luck."
She told me not to overthink, but her disdain was written all over her face.
I knew Greta despised me for being an ex-convict, but she must have forgotten. I went to prison for her and my brother, James Kessler.