I was bullied all through school—at my 10-year reunion, no one recognized me, and I used that moment to reveal exactly who I had become.

about it.”

“Oh, Eva.”

“I want to leave.”

“Then leave.”

I swallowed. “Really?”

“You don’t owe them anything.”

I looked at myself in the mirror.

I was wearing the red dress, my eyes were wet, and my mouth was shaking.

Then Mom said, “But you don’t have to run either.”

I pulled the cardigan from my bag.

Mom saw it and said, “Put it on if you want to. Just make continue reading …