After the tragic death of a loved one, Somaya Purple's life changes and is turned upside down after she meets a mysterious young man with a deep and dark secret. Life gets complicated when she has to juggle grief, an abusive father, a suicidal mother, and new information that has the potential to tear her family apart.

Burnt Cities 

Exactly half an hour later, Phoenix arrives. He rings the buzzer by the gate and my mother opens for him. 


"Stylish car," says my mother, observing his every move as he walks from his car to the door. 


Dad and I are sitting on the sitting room as she welcome's him into the house. 


"Phoenix, thank you for coming in at such short notice, make yourself at home," says my mom beaming at him. 


Phoenix and I exchange awkward glances. I get up from the couch and walk up to him. We stand by the doorway sharing a moment of awkwardness as I realize that I will have to make up a story about why he is here all of a sudden after being ignored for days. 


"Hi." I lean towards him and give him a quick and sudden side hug. He pats my back and I let go. 


"Okay why don't we all go over to the dinner table, I have a delicious meal prepared for us all," says my mother as she ushers us all to the dining room. 


Chapter 15