My brother smashed my head into the wall hard enough to leave blood running down

in a way that felt more real than anything else that had happened. Her usual defenses—the excuses she made for Logan, the lies she told herself and others—crumbled in the face of a reality she could no longer deny.

Part of me was terrified too, but another part felt an unexpected wave of relief. Dr. Reeves’ words had lifted a weight I didn’t realize I’d been carrying. It was as though someone had finally opened a door in a room that had long been sealed shut, letting in fresh air and light.

Mom’s face was ashen, the bravado she carried had vanished, leaving her looking smaller and more vulnerable than I’d ever seen. Her lips moved as if she wanted to say something, but no sound came out. She gripped the edge of the exam table, her knuckles turning white.