“Nothing, it’s just that I know what your topic can be for your essay.”

“Ah, thank you!” I reply. Somehow I knew Marian would have the answer for me.

“Maybe you should write about your mom,” she says softly.

Oh.

“I know you don’t like talking about it, but losing—”

“There’s nothing to say.” I cut her off.

I have a hole in my head and heart when it comes to my mother. She died when I was three. I only have one photo of us: her holding me right after I was born. Whenever I look at it, there’s absolutely no recognition of her. None.

As heartless as this may sound, I’m almost grateful for it. I see what her absence has done to Dad, not like he ever talks about her. It’s still too painful for him. Both his parents had already died, and then he lost a wife and had to raise a daughter by himself. I’ve only ever known life as the two of us.

He’s the one who lost something.

Marian holds up her hands. “Just hear me out. All I’m saying is that you’re looking for a significant event, and losing your mom must’ve had some kind of impact on your life. It’s pretty much the definition of ‘significant’.”

I shrug as I fight the sting behind my eyes. “I’ve got to get to class.”

I turn before I completely lose it.

Yes, there were times it was really tough not having a mom around for certain moments, but I don’t think about it a lot because it’s something that I had absolutely zero control over. Writing about her for an essay isn’t going to bring her back.

What does Marian expect me to do? Write about how my dad isn’t enough? Because he is. He has to be. We’re all we’ve got.

Besides, it’s hard to miss someone you don’t remember.

Chapter Three

Chapter

THREE

A rare moment of quiet has descended upon the Dorn house.

All three kids are in bed with their teeth brushed, faces washed, and pajamas on. Two bedtime stories successfully read. The dishes from our dinner are in the dishwasher. The granite countertops and kitchen table are clean.

Now the only thing left to do while I await Mr. and Mrs. Dorn’s arrival is to try to finish one more scholarship application.

Discuss a special attribute or accomplishment that sets you apart.

I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but Rob is right. Just thinking that leaves a bad taste in my mouth. But he has a point: Who are the sadists who come up with these questions?