Security outside the National Hall was tight. Armed officers had set up a cordon and let no one through.My parents and Julian stood outside in the pouring rain, soaked to the skin, sobbing and crying out my name."Elena, it's Mom. Please, just come out and let us see you!"The guards blocked them, expressionless. "We told you, there's no one named Elena here. Are you deaf? Get out of here, or we'll open fire!"During the scuffle, the doors opened. I came out, flanked by more than a dozen officers and guards."Elena!" My mother recognized me at once and burst into loud sobs. "Sweetheart! Look at me! I'm here to take you home!"My father pushed forward. "Elena, I was wrong! Forgive me and come home with us!"The guard beside me moved to stop them, but I shook my head and looked down at them, my voice flat. "Home to what? The dark, damp storage room where I lived for ten years? Or that table full of seafood and nuts, where you tried to make me eat food you knew I was allergic to?"The th
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