ZIRA

My mom approached me and grabbed my arms with a huge smile. “Zira?” She used the ‘tell your mother everything’ voice. “Is there something you want to tell me?”

What should I say? I tried to wiggle from her embrace, but she held on fast. I felt my heartbeat speeding, and my mother’s eyes went wide.

“You’ve been acting a bit strange lately. Now you’re trying to cover it up with perfume.” She said, stepping back to look me over. “Did you find someone?”

I scoffed and successfully moved away. “Of course not. I’m just extra smelly for some reason. Don’t make a fuss, please.”

I looked down at...