VI

MIKAYLA

. . .

I stare blankly at the gold medal I won in a painting competition at the national level. Impressive, I know. The entire class either praised me or grumbled behind my back but not a single person I found who was genuinely happy and admired my talent.

I can't even find one. It is only my Dad who loves me and admires me. I know once I reach home, I'm gonna receive a gift for this achievement.

However, I'm very much annoyed now because my stomach hurts and my back, too.

I wish I could escape this day. I would have skipped school today but I couldn't forget about this competition. I wanted another medal in my collection to annoy my cousins; to make them jealous.

I know the idea is great but what about now?

I hide my face in my arms and sigh. The pain between my thighs is the cruelest. I just want to go home as soon as possible!

"Priyanka! He's here!"

"They won!"

"I see the trophy in his hands!"

Yelling like witches drunk on fresh blood, they leave the classroom, hopping aroun