When I look back this time, there’s no sign of my parents anywhere.

Even though I know it’s wrong, all I feel is relief.

2

T-MINUS 27 DAYS

High school isn’t as bad as television makes it out to be. I’ve never seen anyone pushed into a locker or publicly embarrassed in front of the cafeteria. I wouldn’t want to. That sounds like a literal nightmare.

Here, the worst things I have to look forward to are the purple-and-gold banners decorated with large cartoonish wolves hanging from poles in front of the building. It’s an attempt at school spirit that I think even our principal despises.

Midland High School is known for its science and math classes, which is why my parents thought it would be the best school in Long Island for my brother and me. Samir is a freshman and I’m a junior now, but during the six months he’s been here, he’s excelled more in math and science than I ever could. Especially since I hate those subjects.

Despite that, I’ve grown to love the school. With its bright yellow lockers, pastel walls, and sleek purple linoleum floors, it looks more like something out of a Dr. Seuss book than an academic institution.

When I walk into the cafeteria, my best friends are occupying a lime green table near the vending machines, and I head for them with a smile on my face. My mood is exceptionally bright today, since my grandma woke up early to make me a paratha and omelet. I’m used to being handed a granola bar, so it was a warm surprise.

“Good morning,” I say, wrapping my arms around my two favorite girls. “Isn’t it a beautiful day outside?”

Nandini rolls her eyes, running a hand through her short curls, still wet from the gloomy weather. “It’s raining, Karina.”

“Exactly,” I say, slipping my way between her and Cora, who laughs as she scoots aside to make room.

The three of us met freshman year during Italian and have been tied together since. Every year we choose classes in the hopes of landing similar schedules and, so far, it’s worked out. This year, we have first period free every day, and all of us show up early just to spend time together.

“How’s day one without the parental figures?” Cora asks, brushing her platinum blond hair over her shoulder and handing me a warm cup of coffee. “I see you’ve broken out the crop tops and ripped jeans.”

I smile faintly, looking down at my outfit. It’s not too wild, but it’s still more skin than usual. “I’ve been hiding these in the back of my dresser for months.”

“At least they’re finally seeing the light of day,” Nandini says, poking my belly button.