Sienna

Sunday morning came quiet and pale. The early sun sneaked through my curtains, warming my face just enough to wake me. I stretched under the blanket, hearing faint sounds from down the hall — running water, drawers closing. Jaxon was already up.

I slipped out of bed and got ready for church — simple cream dress, light makeup, hair brushed straight. I could already hear my stepmom moving around the house, her heels tapping against the tiles, calling out orders like she always did.

“Let’s move, people! We’re leaving in twenty minutes!”

The smell of toast and eggs filled the air when I stepped into the hallway — and...