Mona is a senior in high school dealing with a distant mother, ex’s, and life. She hides what her life is really like from her friends at her fancy school. She’s left to take care of herself while her mother struggles with addiction. While trying to keep her life on the right path she starts getting harassing notes. She also notices her abusive ex running into her a lot more than normal. Mona meets a boy who understands what it’s like to be poor around the upper class, and they get close while Mona’s life seems to be against her.

It Could Get Worse

*for mature audiences only, depictions of assault, abuse, and injury 


 I take my morning run to empty my mind. When I get back to the apartment his men are outside. “What are you guys doing here?” I ask one of them. He gives me a nod acknowledging who I am. 


 “Boss is having a meeting inside.” The bile in my stomach starts churning as I continue down the sidewalk. Halfway through my second run my phone starts to buzz. I slide it out of the pocket of my sweatpants and reluctantly answer. 


 “Where the fuck are you?” Leo’s voice is lined with fire. 


 “You went on a run two hours ago. Where the fuck are you?” He shouts into the phone again. 


 “Well considering your conduction house meetings now I went for another run.” 


 “Tell me where you are. I’m coming to pick you up.” 


 “I’ll be home when I’m done running.” 


Calm Before the Storm