CHAPTER 10

MIRABEL

It was ten in the night. I've been in bed since that time Derek bullied me, sulking in my pains and loneliness.

In my hand held a photo of Mom and I, together. It was the only photo I had of us in my bag.

The others were back at home, hanging on our walls. I was lucky to have this one in my hands.

At least, I won't feel lonely. I have Mom's photo with me.

"Who's my little princess?" Mom's voice echoed in my head, flashing my memory to the time she always teased me for being worried over some things she took as little.

Though it was embarrassing, it still made me smile.

"I am," I muttered, responding to the voice in my head, hugging the photo tight.

Just then, I heard a knock on my door. That got me jumping out of bed in fear, thinking about Derek.

Now, any knock that comes on my knock always sounds like Derek, hiding at the corner waiting to attack me like earlier.

I cuddled into the co