"Mom!" I yell as I get home. "I'm home!"

"Hi sweetie!" My mom cries as she walks out of the kitchen. She's bright yellow, symbolizing happiness. "How was your day?"

"Fine," I say as I walk into the kitchen with her. As I say it, my skin shifts to a light gray. Anxiety. It's the hardest to see on someone because it looks similar to silver, but my mom is an expert.

"Are you sure?" Mom asks as she turns the same shade of purple that Mrs. Hawthorne turned earlier today. Concern.

"Yup," I say cheerfully, popping the p. My skin subtly shifts back to silver. "I'm STARVING. Can I have a snack?" I ask, trying to divert mom's attention to that instead. She hesitates a second before giving in and asking, "Sure! What would you like?"

"Veggie straws," I tell her. It's my favorite snack. I love trying to change my emotions to match the color that I'm eating.

Mom pulls down the bag and we take turns pulling out the straws and changing colors to match them.

***

The ride back to the orphanage is dull, as usual. 

I get off the bus to find the orphanage teacher, Mr. Smith, waiting for me. "You're later than usual." He states. Ugh. I just know that I'm going to get more work for this.

"Sorry Mr. Smith," I mumble. "The bus ran late."

"Don't let it happen again." His crisp British accent ricochets off the building as he turns and places a hand on my shoulder. But it's not as loving as a mother's touch. It's about as soft as a brick that has been placed in the fridge for weeks.

Cold.

Strict.

Ridged.

I sigh and walk forward with him, through the dark gray gates and onto the cobblestones, which are just as gray as any other day.

Author's Note:

Sorry that this chapter is a little short.

I didn't have a ton of time.

Hope you liked it!