My mouth watered as the smells of tomato sauce and spices filled the air. I had placed the metal object uncomfortably between my fingers, and it felt strange. As the evening wore on and the meals were consumed, the men and women around the table engaged in light conversation. I observed them as they joked around and exchanged tales. I was an outsider in this place because I didn't belong.

I was unquestionably and excessively out of place. In front of me was a warm platter of lasagna, or at least that's what Luna claimed it to be. I couldn't even recall the last time I had a fork in...