The door of my room creaked open. I closed my eyes tightly, pretending to be asleep. Pretending to sleep was the only thing I could do to avoid going to school. Talking to my mother about it was useless.

"Won't you go to school today? It's almost 8 a.m.," my mother's high-pitched voice echoed in my head.

I didn’t respond, still pretending to sleep. She should leave my room. I didn’t want anyone bothering me this morning.

"Ivy, get up now. I know you're not asleep. It's pretty obvious," she snapped at me.

I shrugged and opened my eyes.

"What?" I yawned lazily, frowning.

"You're late for school, girl. Go...