Miranda arrived, delivering formal notice. “Any further contact will be documented,” she told them.
Charlotte’s shoulders sagged. “I don’t know who I am without their applause,” she said softly.
“Then it’s time you learn,” I replied.
She walked away slowly, the emergency notice trembling in her hand. My father stood frozen, still expecting control. My mother wept.
Inside, Noah tugged my sleeve. “Mom, who was that?”
“People who forgot how to be kind,” I said gently.
For the first time in my life, I didn’t run after anyone.
