“And what did you say to them?” Sonia says gently, stroking your hair. “I said, leave me alone.” You sniffle. “Alright. Before or after you used your powers on them?” “After.” “Ah, there’s our little problem.” You look up into your mother’s soft face.

The village children were making fun of your ears again, and you’d had enough this time around. So you’d hit them with your powers. But your mother soon found out about this, and was sitting you down in the gardens to give you a ‘talk’.

“Now, listen carefully, my little star. You must never hit first. Do you understand? We always try to talk things out before disagreements get out of hand.” Sonia kisses the bruise on your face, stroking your cheek as she slowly bounces you on her lap.

“Especially because you were born with a gift. A gift that is meant to be used for good.” “But they were calling me names.” “I know, love. I know.”