ARLENE

I thought about how different things would be if, by some twisted stroke of luck, Daisy had been the victim of circumstances like these.

The world around me faded into the distance as I swayed slowly, clinging to the thoughts that plagued my mind.

It made no sense to dwell on situations that couldn’t be changed, but for a split second, I wished my mom were here, or that there was at least someone willing to fight ruthlessly for me.

I had a support system, and I didn’t take it for granted. They were doing the best they could, but like me, they were focused more on the positive...