I picked up the bottle which was barely warm now and put it on the desk This was so weird Kiara Prasad I want you at the dinner table now Mom’s voice had a sharp edge I glanced at the bottle once more before I left the room The smoke inside was now blood red 6
Chapter Two I raced through dinner even though it was my favorite shrimp curry and rice Normally I would enjoy each bite and take a second helping But today I had Zayn Garam Masala on my mind I couldn’t wait to get back to my room First day of school tomorrow Kiara said Grandpa Ready for third grade No If Gran were here I would have confided to her that I was scared 7
Although most of my classmates were okay Matt the bully loved to pick on Bai and me The thought of facing him again made my stomach clench The curry and rice wanted to climb right back out But I wasn’t announcing this at the table Mom would tell me it was only first-day jitters that things would get better once I settled down With Matt things only ever got worse I shrugged Sort of Grandpa stroked my hair You’ll be fine I nodded May I be excused please I have to get ready for tomorrow Mom nodded Grandpa gave me a sad smile Leela would be so proud of her granddaughter starting third grade She would have made your favorite coconut burfi to celebrate 8
