entered the office wearing oversized sunglasses.
The moment she saw the officials, she began crying dramatically.
“My poor baby! We’ve been worried sick!”
Dad stood beside her, shaking his head.
“He’s always been difficult. We think he’s having some kind of teenage rebellion.”
Claire remained behind them, barely looking up from her phone.
I sat quietly.
I didn’t argue.
I didn’t defend myself.
Then Mr. Keller handed the officer the report that had been written at the train station. Trainstation cafes
The atmosphere changed.
The officer read the account.
He reviewed the details I’d provided, including my father’s remark about seeing whether I could survive alone.
Mom stopped crying.
Dad lowered his hand.
Claire finally looked up.
For the first time, they seemed to realize that their version of events wasn’t the only one being considered.
I was placed outside their care while the authorities investigated.
My parents had money,
