Act I “Can I get this one? Mine doesn’t close anymore.” Nia held the coat against herself for only a second. It was simple. Nothing flashy. Nothing…

Act I “Is this all I get?” Nia’s voice was quiet enough that, for a moment, it almost disappeared beneath the ordinary sounds of a weekday morning….

Act I “Why did you cancel my phone?” Nia’s voice was quiet, but the question immediately changed the feeling inside the room. She had just come through…

Act I “What about my allowance?” Nia asked the question with the mop still leaning against the wall behind her. The living room looked perfect to anyone…

Act I “What about my allowance?” Nia asked it quietly, with the mop still leaning beside her and cleaning gloves still on her hands. The living room…

Act I “I knew it. You stole my necklace.” Stepmother held the gold chain up between two fingers like she had uncovered proof of everything she had…

Act I “A jacket for Ava and the sneakers Caleb wanted.” Stepmother said it like she was announcing generosity, standing in the entrance with a luxury suitcase…

Act I “Can we pick up my new glasses today?” Nia asked it while sitting beside the coffee table, one finger holding her place in an open…

Act I “Why is my suitcase packed?” Nia asked it from the living room entrance, schoolbooks held tight against her chest. The house looked too elegant for…