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 

"Maya, I haven't seen you in ages," says Larry as he leans in to hug me. 


A few days ago my mother had decided to set up a hike trip with the Steins and the Furness's without us knowing, so here we were on Saturday morning that I could have much rather spent in bed about to walk up a steep hill in the scorching sun. 


"You don't seem too happy to be here." 


"Let's just say I'd really prefer not to be here." 


The Furness's do not have any kids of their own, so it's just Larry, me and the parents. We proceed to walk up the hill together, Larry and I leading by a few metres. 


"How are things with your, you know..." I say to break the awkward silence between us. 


"That's good, that's really great. Can I have a sip of your water?" 


I gulp some water from his bottle and hand it back when my thirst is quenched. He takes the bottle and looks at, and then turns to look at me. 


Chapter 17