24. Jessica.

The sun beats down on my skin as I make my way home with Sophie beside me, beads of sweat rolling down my neck into my clothes and my hair sticking to my back. The hot air is thick and oppressive and I'm struggling to breathe with my throat parched. I'm so exhausted.

"I'm hungry," Sophie mutters beside me and I look down at her. She's squinting up at me, a frown on her face. We hadn't eaten anything since yesterday except for the school's lunch which tasted terrible. It's only natural that she'll be hungry.

"Maybe there's food at home," I tell her, keeping my voice hopeful. She groans at the statement. That hasn't happened in a while. Letting out a sigh, we continue walking till we get to our house.

That's when I hear it... Or better still, Sophie and I. My dad is yelling at Mom again, but this time Mom is yelling right back. There's a huge crashing sound and suddenly everywhere falls silent. My heart lurches in my chest and I start panicking. Without thinking, I run into the house,