Chapter 138

• I walked beside my mother to the dining room. She explained a series of rules that the house had regarding etiquette and behavior. This "prison" they called home had a very strict system of operation. Knowing myself, I couldn't stand to spend more than a month here. I always liked to live freely and make my own rules.
• One by one, I greeted all my relatives who were already at the table. There was no warmth or emotion among the elders, neither in their expressions nor in their voices. I think the Singers' heavy training had sucked the life out of them.
• When I reached my father, he lightly caressed my cheek. It was the most affectionate he could be with me. Whether he was happy that I was here, I had no idea. I had never seen him smile in my entire life.