Bounded By The Badge

all but loving family. It was just the three of them: her father, her mother, and her. Their life revolved around everyday routines-home-cooked meals, movie nights, and

ng. The family was curled up in the living room, watching one of their favorite shows, the

ame th

aused, eyes narrowing, and muted the sound. Another knock, lou

hout saying much, he looked at Mia and her older brother, Luca, and told them to go into their r

acting-he was anticipating. As soon as they were in the room, she ignored Luca'

voices and the kind of tensi

on?" one voice sneered, fi

ang anymore," her father replied.

another man said. His voice was quieter but more chillin

going bac

parents came into the room, trying to mask their unease. Her mother forced a smile and told them everythi

was

returned. They broke in through the front door, loud enough to wake Luca, who imme

e to go

shots rang out. Mia would never forget the sound-or the sil

ust in time, but not before the bullet hit him in the back. Blood splattered on her face. He

di

d Mrs. Barley. On the surface, Mrs. Barley presented herself as kind and charitable. In reality, she was cruel, and manipulative, and only cared

er kids were curious about her. She made friends easily-her quiet resilienc

rumors-but grew nastier over time. Clothes were stolen. Food was taken from her plate. Friends were turned against her.

h top marks and was awarded a scholarship to a local c

pe didn

unds. With no proof and no one to defend her, Mia was thrown out. Not just thrown out-humilia

Penelope), and the small amount of money she had saved working part-time at a bakery. She managed to rent a room

oing. She

er only steady source of income. She was

it was something. The owner, an older woman named June, was strict but fair, and Mia appreci

past-she always would. But she had