The drawer opened with a splintering pop, and for a second I was worried I’d broken it, but it slid smoothly on its grooves. My father mentioned something about my sister, but I had already tuned him out. I pulled out the envelope with its maroon stamp of the queen, and my breath caught. With my blood rushing in my ears, I carefully scanned the return address.

University of West London.

Twice, my brain tried to make my lips cooperate. Twice, it failed. On the third attempt, I managed with a shaky breath, “Listen, Dad, I have to go. Easton’s going to want his lunch soon.”

I hung up without waiting for a goodbye. Unable to swallow and incapable of breathing, I slowly reached into the already-opened envelope and pulled out the papers contained inside.

My brain short-circuited as my eyes flitted over the cover sheet. …Great happiness that we offer you a spot… our students… we look forward to hearing…

Numb with shock, the only coherent thought my brain managed was, Get lunch ready, otherwise, it’s going to get ugly.

In the kitchen, my body worked on automatic pilot. Chicken salad would not have been my choice of lunch, but Easton hated any Ghanaian food I cooked. I added the mayonnaise and the additional spices I knew Easton liked. I always saved the scallions for last because he liked them fresh but not too big and not too fine like the food processor would have done.

“God, I needed that shower. That run was brutal.” Easton’s voice was jovial.

I was too numb to answer, as rage battled for dominance with disbelief and sorrow. Instead, I just continued chopping. My mind was unable to form coherent thoughts.

He continued without waiting for a response. “I went down by the library then up Independence. It was pretty. Still spring but with a touch of summer heat in the air.”

I smoothed the scallions off the knife into the chicken salad with my finger. While I worked, the bitter scent burned my nostrils. I still didn’t speak.

“What’s with you?” His tone was cold and held little note of concern.

I knew the moment his eyes landed on the envelope from the school. The air around him shifted subtly, and I braced myself.

His voice was barely above a whisper as he spoke. “Where the hell did you get that?”

Stupid move or not, I wasn’t going to let this one go. If there was ever a time to stand up for myself, it was now. I was not the pathetic girl he thought I was. I had been strong once, and I reached deep into the depths of a long-forgotten girl to find a sliver of that strength. “Where the hell you hid it.”

I braced for shouting, but nothing happened.