Sienna

The morning sun filtered through my curtains, casting a pale gold light across my room. I lay still for a few minutes, staring at the ceiling, trying to slow the rush of thoughts in my head. It was Saturday — the last weekend before my final year in high school began on Monday — and yet, instead of excitement, all I felt was this tight, quiet tension sitting in my chest.

Downstairs, I could already hear faint movement — dishes clinking, the smell of toast, and the soft hum of my stepmom’s morning routine. I got up slowly, brushed my teeth, and threw on a simple top and joggers....