She took my wrist and led me out of the office.
Then she closed the door.
I ran upstairs.
My brother was sitting on his bed reading.
When he saw me, he stood immediately.
"What happened?"
I told him about the folder.
The school.
The date.
The signature.
And the way she'd threatened me.
His face went pale.
He took out his phone.
For a moment, he looked ready to call Dad.
Then he hesitated.
Our father had an important meeting early the next morning, and my brother knew our stepmother would hear if he made the call from the hallway.
He looked toward the door.
Then he said, "Tomorrow, don't go anywhere alone with her."
I nodded.
He moved closer.
"And if she starts talking about sending you away, stay where I can see you."
I began crying again.
He hugged me tightly.
"I promise," he whispered. "I'm not letting her take you without telling Dad."
I believed him.
But neither of us understood how quickly the next afternoon would unfold.
That morning, our stepmother was unusually cheerful.
She made pancakes, hummed while arranging plates, and told us she had an important appointment later in the day. She wore a pale blouse at breakfast, but I noticed the bright-red dress hanging on the wardrobe door when I walked past her bedroom.
Dad was already preparing to leave.
He had a meeting with a commercial property developer and expected to spend most of the day at his company's offices.
Before leaving, he stopped beside my chair.
"How's my little sunshine?"
I tried to smile.
"Good."
He studied me.
"Are you sure?"
I nodded.
He brushed one of my braids away from my face.
"Anything you want to tell me?"
For one second, I almost told him everything.
The documents.
The school.
The date.
The threats.
But my stepmother appeared in the doorway holding his briefcase.
"You're going to be late."
Dad glanced at his watch.
Then he kissed my forehead.
"We'll talk tonight, okay?"
I nodded.
He looked toward my brother.
"Take care of your sister."
My brother answered immediately.
"Always."
Dad smiled.
Then he left.
My stepmother watched his car disappear down the driveway.
When she turned toward us, the smile was gone.
"Finish breakfast. We have things to do."
I looked at my brother.
He gave me our signal.
Two taps against the edge of the kitchen table.
Stay close.
I nodded.
The school day passed slowly.
I couldn't concentrate.