In senior year, every moment counted, and as the most prestigious school in the county, extra classes were given.

Out of the seven days in a week, we only got half a day off on Sundays.

That half-day was a precious commodity.

My injuries had healed significantly. As a teenage girl, I was just as concerned with my appearance as anyone else.

On that Sunday afternoon, I wore a long dress.

"Mom, I'm going out to buy something. I might be back a bit late tonight," I said.

She looked up from her work and firmly responded, "No, you're staying home. After your exam results, you have no business going out. Stay home and study."

"But I've made plans with Lucy. She's waiting for me."

"That's even more reason not to go. I've told you her grades are slipping. You shouldn't hang out with her. You need to focus on your own studies. Now, be a good girl and go back to your room to do your homework."

I wanted to argue, but her piercing glare silenced me.

"Don't make me call your dad. I'm only doing this to make sure you get into a good college."

My eyes stung with tears.

It was always like this—her way was always the right way, controlling me for my own good.

I could only slump back to my room, where my favorite stuffed bear, Strawberry Bear, brightened my mood a little.

A while later, instead of knocking, she barged into my room.

I had asked before for some privacy and requested they knock before entering, but their disdainful looks said it all.

"You're my daughter. What's with the need for privacy? Back in my day, we all shared one room, mixed genders and all. You should be grateful."

Times had changed, but I couldn't argue with her.

Even if I was right, I had no room to defend myself.

Ashley came in with a tray of fruit and milk. Seeing me studying diligently, she looked pleased. "Here, have a snack before you continue."

"Just put it down. I'll drink it later," I said, looking at the walnut milk—a flavor I hated.

"I heard heating it makes it more nutritious, so I warmed it up for you. Drink up."

"I don't want it right now…"

She cut me off immediately. "This carton cost over eighty dollars. Do you have any idea how expensive that is? I bought it to help with your brain function. With your dad being the sole breadwinner, money doesn't grow on trees. I can't work while I'm taking care of you, so don't throw a tantrum. Drink it now."

Ah, so she thinks I'm upset about not being allowed out.

But that wasn't it—I just really disliked the taste.

Under her watchful gaze, I forced myself to drink the nasty milk in one big gulp.

Satisfied, she finally left the room.

During the holiday season, Vincent was back from work.

We returned to our hometown for Grandma Megan Miller's birthday.

With the entire extended family gathered, Megan's smile stretched from ear to ear.

At the dinner table, Aunt Amanda Miller was her usual boastful self.

"My daughter Amy aced every subject on her midterms!"

Immediately, people chimed in with praise. "Amy is amazing—she'll definitely get into a great college!"

"Your teaching must be top-notch. It's impressive she's doing so well despite being so young and playful."

I kept my head down, shoveling food into my mouth, trying to stay out of the limelight.

Family gatherings like this were always a contest of who could brag the most.

"Kate, how have your recent exams been? The SAT is coming up soon, right?"

Of all the relatives, I couldn't stand Amanda. She often stirred up trouble in the family. I chose to remain silent, not wanting to engage.

Ashley kicked me under the table, her gaze pointedly directed at me. Seeing I was still reluctant, she spoke up with a smile, "Kate did really well on her last practice test—she scored first place."

Amanda's face shifted, clearly caught off guard by the news. It was like she had shot herself in the foot.

Megan asked, "Does that really mean she'll get into a good college? Can she do better than the school Viola's going to?"

The older generation often didn't grasp these things.

Ashley responded with a grin. "Mom, Viola's school isn't exactly top-notch. Kate's definitely going to a better place."

"Oh, Viola's school isn't bad for the hometown, but if Kate's doing so well, that's fantastic. She's really making a name for herself," someone else added.

"Kate will definitely get into a good college. She's probably the first in our family to achieve such high marks. Ashley, you've done a great job teaching her."

The relatives continued to heap praise on my parents, their smiles almost frozen from overuse.

Seeing the conversation turn in our favor while putting down her own daughter, Amanda couldn't handle it anymore.

She said with a forced laugh, "Kate seems to be speaking less and less these days. We hardly heard a word from her today. Even though her grades are great, this silence isn't healthy. It could mean she's under too much pressure."

Megan nodded in agreement and scolded them, "Yes, she's hardly smiling or talking. You shouldn't push her too hard. It's not good for her."

"Oh, Mom, Amanda, it's just that the SAT is coming up. She's putting a lot of pressure on herself, studying all the time. Once the SAT is over, it'll be fine, won't it, Kate?"

I received another kick from Ashley under the table, and, under everyone's watchful eyes, I nodded.

My parents finally looked relieved and quickly changed the subject.

After dinner, my cousin Viola took me out for a walk. I enjoyed chatting with her; she would share wisdom and stories about her college life.

"Is college really as great as they say?"

"It is. Once you're there, you'll see how wonderful it is. You'll finally have your own life and freedom. You can do whatever you want, and your parents won't be able to control you."

So, whenever I felt upset or frustrated, I'd think about how much better things would be once I was in college.

Then, I'd be free.

When I came home in high spirits, I found my parents waiting for me on the couch, looking like they had been expecting me all along.

"Where have you been? Out playing for hours? Do you even remember you're a student now? Who do you think you are, out gallivanting every day? Just because you did well on a practice test doesn't mean you're in the clear," my dad snapped.

My good mood vanished instantly. Unable to hold back, I retorted, "I wasn't out partying. I was with Cousin Viola."

"Stop hanging out with her. You know we don't get along with her parents. And what's with the sour face at dinner? Is this how I've taught you to behave?" He was clearly frustrated.

I couldn't understand why their need to control me seemed to be getting stronger.

It felt like they wanted to oversee every detail of my life.

I answered softly, "That's an adult issue between you and her parents. It has nothing to do with us. Besides, why can't I hang out with Viola? Back when she and Cara were together…"

Before I could finish, an apple came flying at me.