*earlier that day*

     "Dad? Abi? I have to tell you something," I called out from upstairs.

     "Okay, come down here Em."

     My legs were shaking as I made my way downstairs, not knowing where I would end up. I took a seat at the couch, crossing my legs. I played with my beaded gold bracelet, trying to ease the tension. My dad and Abigail sat on the other side of the living room, staring at me attentively.

      "So..." I started. "You guys know about my HPD..."

     "Of course we do!" exclaimed my dad, somehow in a calm manner.

     "Well... what that does to me is it makes me think things differently. Your life is a galaxy, and that's how I see it. Each star is an aspect of life. Everyone has stars in their mind."

     My dad looked down at his hands and sighed. Abi turned her head to face him, and he looked back at her, eyebrows raised. They seemed to be sharing a secret message that I couldn't understand. I could see the disappointment in their eyes, filling in the gaps of silence between us. They didn't have to say anything for me to know what they are thinking: this can't be real.

January 10th

Dear Diary,

I wish I hadn't told them about me. I never should have. They don't understand. Their stars of confusion shone too bright today.

At least my mom won't know. Dana Carry can't do anything about me now. Rob Cattry, on the other hand, has all the power in the world. I've never felt any more fear than how I felt in front of my dad and Abigail.

I guess I'll just have to wait to see how things turn out for me tomorrow. The star of suspense is the biggest of them all.

But the star that will always be the most important is me. I am a galaxy and I am a star. No matter what happens, I'll always stay bright.

Wish me luck tomorrow,
Emma