My mother’s voice invades my dream, and the bright sun shines through my eyelids, causing me to squint even in my sleepy state. “Mum, close the curtains. It’s too early!” I moan back at her, turning toward the wall to escape the brightness, every muscle in my body screaming from my lovemaking with Matthew. “Katherine, you have fifteen minutes to get dressed and meet us in the car. We’re leaving. I left your clothes on the chair, and I’ve already packed for you.” Her tone is irritated, slightly raised with emotion, and I can tell her decision is not negotiable. “What? Why?” I bolt up in bed, in shock over what I’ve just heard. “Mum, we can’t, please.” Tears overwhelm me as her words sink in. Emotion squeezes my windpipe shut as my sleepy brain tries to make sense of what is happening. “Fourteen minutes, Katherine.” Cold-faced, she sternly walks out of the room and closes the door. I frantically jump up and look around the room. My suitcase is gone, my bag is gone, my clothes from last night are gone.
