Chapter 69: Umi

The awful, rainy days became my only escape.

I worried about homework and how to beat my little brother, while everything else was my parents' obligation. Or so I thought.

Sunny days used to mean we'd be going on a fun outing to explore and play, until the day suited men appeared at the door. Mom and Dad showed a side I didn't think possible and one that I didn't want to see again.

Even though my parents stopped answering, the suited men kept coming day after day. They would get tired and go away, but the uneasiness would stay for the rest of the day.

Mom and Dad argued over whose fault it was, while my little brother and I could only curl up in the corner and cry. I covered his ears, but no one covered mine.