The summer sun was already baking the asphalt, but the air inside my chest felt as thin as paper.

Before I could shut off the engine, a silver sedan pulled up and blocked the aisle behind me.

My mother climbed out of the passenger side, her heavy silver bangle flashing in the bright light as she slammed the door.

Vanessa got out of the driver’s seat after her, arms folded tight across her flowered blouse.

I smoothed the front of my skirt three times before I opened my car door.

“You need to withdraw that police report right now, Rachel,” Vanessa said, her voice high and quick.