Fifteen minutes later

You relax on the couch and try to empty your mind of negative thoughts, you watch whatever's on TV but at the same time pay no real attention to it. You simply tried to think of nothing so that you might be able to ignore the disappointment and heartbreak of not being able to go to college this year, perhaps not ever.

The sound of your mom's voice calling your name snaps you back to reality.

"Come sit down and eat your breakfast," called your mother. Collecting yourself you take a seat at the dining room table, now cleared of paper. Jane enters the room with a plate full of food and a tall glass of orange juice. She walks back into the kitchen briefly before returning with a protein shake and some fruit for herself.

After thanking your mother for the delicious smelling bacon as well as two pieces of buttered toast, you dig in.

Jane doesn't touch her fruit or her shake instead she folds her hands on the table and begins to speak, a rather serious expression crossing her face. "I think I've found a solution that will let you attend college," she says.

Your mouth half full of salty bacon, you mumble out "Really? That's great mom!"

"Don't get too excited sweetie. This is going to require some sacrifices on your part."

You gulp down half your glass of orange juice before replying, "Whatever it takes mom. If I have to work 40 hours a week to help cover the tution I'll do it."

Feeling a sense of relief wash over you you continue to chow down on your breakfast, finishing off the bacon and orange juice quickly before moving on to the toast.

In stark contrast to your elated expression, Jane's face remains stern, perhaps worried even. "You won't have to work honey. I've found a special scholarship that is going to cover your tuition."

Your mother continues after a brief pause, "Unfortunately you don't technically qualify for the scholarship. Its a scholarship for young women."

As you try to process what your mother is saying you suddenly feel a wave of heat radiating through your body. Before you can scarcely react, heat turns to intense pain. Crying out, your body crumples and you slide out of your chair onto the floor.

Jane pushes back her chain and moves over to your side, at first saying nothing as she watches you writhe and whimper in pain. At this point you are only half conscious, but it feels like your bones are breaking, your body rearranging itself as if you were a lump of clay being molded by some twisted sculptor.

"It's gonna be over soon baby," your mother tries to soothe you, her hand gently rubbing your shoulder. You feel yourself slipping away into unconsciousness and you make no attempt to resist.