Pop! Plaster showered the studio as a massive crack ripped across the ceiling. Floor beams groaned. Up and down the street car alarms blared. In the midst of the chaos sat Tisiphone. The other kids called her Tizzie or Phony or that weirdo. Or at least they used to.

Somewhere maybe below her the girl could hear her parents arguing. Again. Tisiphone couldn’t make out the words. Suddenly their thoughts flooded her brain. The windows exploded.

They were angry at each other and at their daughter. This is not my fault, she thought punching that her head. Most of all they regretted being parents of their special special child. Kicking her small legs,Tisiphone shouted “shut up.” Someone in the house screamed.

Remembering Daddy’s lesson Tisiphone focused on breathing. Pushing out anger and pulling light she took deep breaths until the roaring behind her eyes melted away. She looked at the chunks of plaster falling.

She remembered that time they drove up north and hit a snow squall. Mommy was scared and pulled the car to the side of the road. Daddy carried her cause she was a little to a snowy tree. Ice crystals fell on her lashes. She giggled the sun came out. She laughed and the wind was a warm breeze. Tisiphone smiled at the memory.

In mid air the plaster dust froze. As she shook dust off her curls, the windows reformed and the ceiling crack mended itself. Her bedroom door open. Smelling like burnt meat and smoke, Daddy was at her door.

Tisiphone considered given him the cold shoulder but the last time he got frostbite. Pale, Mommy leaned heavily against her ex-husband’s frame.

“Good job, Tizz, you’re getting faster each day, Peanut. Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you. “