When we got home, Big Brother called Mia Rivers to his room, while I stayed in the living room, listening to Mom's repeated attempts to comfort me.

"Don't be sad, Sisi. We'll enroll you again next time. If you can't wait, we can leave right now. Mom will take you!"

I looked at her regretfully.

"But Mom, my passport was torn by Mia."

Mom was stunned and then hugged me tightly, continually patting my head.

"It's okay, we'll get a new one. It'll be quick. Trust Mom, it'll be quick."

By the time it was dark, Mia Rivers finally came out of Big Brother's room, her eyes red and swollen....