“So, you are not going to tell us anything?” My mom asked for the thousandth time.
“No, I will not,” I stated.
She knew something terrible happened, but I would not disclose anything. She had had enough of my disappearance for me to bring more pain into her life.
“Can you tell me what that thing around your neck is, at least?” She pleaded.
I sighed. Should I tell her?
No, as I said, I don’t want to put more weight on her shoulders. My dad hasn’t spoken a word; he only heard our interaction but has stayed out of it for the most part.
“It is a mating mark,” my dad said, and I saw his jaw clench.
How did he figure it out? It is uncommon; I have never seen a mark like mine.
“What?!” My mom’s head snapped to look at my dad and then at me.
“Is this true, Hope?” She asked.
I di
