Chapter 26

Katniss was straight-up bawling, feeling that warm, fuzzy family vibe only at Wesley's crib. She made up her mind to stop kissing up to her parents 'cause they treated her like trash. Katniss was like, "They didn't boot me out; I bounced on my own."

"Good on you for figuring it out. Those folks are bad news. They bullied you, and karma's gonna get them. You did the right thing by bailing," Saskia said, handing Katniss a cup of water.

The water slid down her throat, warming her up from the inside out.

That long-lost feeling of being wrapped in love hit her like a ton of bricks.

Daphne looked at her with a face full of heartache. She'd watched Katniss grow up, always so well-behaved. She said, "Saskia's right. In this house, no one's gonna let you suffer. If you need anything, just holler. Treat this place like your own home."

Who knew what Oliver and his clan were thinking? They treated her like an enemy, not their own daughter.

Even though Clara had been around for over a decade and was closer to them than Katniss, blood is thicker than water. Katniss was Elodie's real kid. How could they not cherish their own flesh and blood and instead favor an adopted daughter with shady motives?

Daphne remembered when Katniss first came back, she was tiny, weak, and super reserved.

At first, Katniss's mom, Elodie, was all about her, but later she started favoring Clara, thinking Katniss was too shy and not as outspoken as Clara. She'd often say stuff that put Katniss down.

her in and cared for her for years.

got kicked out again. Daphne's feelings were all over the

meal, tying on an apron. "You all

the fridge, washed it, and put it

you need anything, just let us know. No need to be shy,"

nodded with a smile, "Thanks, Aunt

life flashed through her mind. The once strong man was diagnosed with late-stage

cooking came to

Katniss asked, her eyes full of

smile, "It's nothing, just feeling a

about this!" Katniss frowned, her tone dripping with concern and a bit

sweat it, I'll hit up the hospital for a check-up," Wesley

Katniss felt a wave

brush up on her medical skills to keep Wesley safe. Daphne handed Katniss an orange, saying

the orange, munching on the sweet fruit,

the sound of the door opening came from the entrance. It was

in today," Saskia happily introduced Katniss to

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