10

Perhaps you will find someone to get engaged to who will satisfy your mother's plans for you, and who matches what you want and need. Your mother will be exacting, whatever happens.

And now here you are, having nearly completed your journey to your new school. Your new home.

You pull off your flying cap and goggles, allowing the air to play over your face, then sit beside the water. Asher wipes her dirt-smudged face. Her smooth, pale hair is damp with sweat. She's your age, and tall, too…