“Jesus Christ,” Mandi muttered, wrapping the pillow around her ears. The bedframe banged rhythmically on the other side, accompanied by muffled moans and laughter. She rolled onto her back and stared at the phosphorescent stars peeling off her ceiling. This was the third time this week. The bedrooms shared the same thin wall that barely muffled anything. She knew the routine: the groans would increase, followed by a sharp...

Mandi felt haunted and alone. Almost six weeks had passed since her mom had gone to Singapore for work with the State Department. Her father had thrown himself into his work on the Navy base. Anne had abandoned her; that was the true, deep pain. She knew everything was coming apart. She had tried to keep things together, but she felt herself cracking inside. Boys at school sensed her vulnerability, tried to take her on da...