ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY FOUR

JOCELIA'S POV

I woke up that Monday morning feeling the weight of my troubles pressing down on me. As I stumbled out of bed, my head pounded with each step. I shuffled over to the mirror and took in the sight: dark bags under my eyes, dried tears streaking down my cheeks, and smudged eyeliner from last night’s breakdown. My hair was a mess, just like my life.

Just as I was trying to pull myself together, the door to my room swung open. It was the new maid, and she hadn’t knocked. I lost it immediately. I shouted at her, calling her a fool for barging in, and before I could stop myself, I slapped her. I told her that if she ever came into my room without knocking again, I’d make sure her life was a living hell.

The maid was crying, saying she was new and didn’t realize someone was in the room—this was only her second day, and there had been no one in the room yesterday. I told her to make my bed, and as she worked, I asked if my dad was awake.

“Yes,” she replied through her tears. “He