Ten

Stella,

It's been a few weeks since I returned home, but everything still feels strange. Kai's behavior is particularly bothersome. He treats me delicately, as if I'm fragile. I want to shout at him to stop, but I understand where he and my family are coming from. We've all been through a lot in the past year, and this situation just adds to it. I long for Kai's touch, but whenever he places a hand on my back, I become tense and thoughts of Professor Hamilton's touch flood my mind.

Tomorrow is Monday, marking my first day back at school. I'm anxious about it because everyone will be aware of my kidnapping. I fear it will be similar to my experience in Washington, where people made jokes and made life unbearable for me and my family.

Just then, my sister climbs up the stairs and enters my room. "Hey sis, are you alright? You seemed distracted at the dinner table tonight."

"Did I?"

Dakoda raises an eyebrow at me, her expression filled with disbelief. "Don