You unlock the doors of your run-down house, throwing your backpack down onto the floor by the door. The house smells like pumpkin spice, your dad must’ve lit a candle since it’s the first day of October.

Your mom hasn’t been present in years. It’s just been you, your dad, and your younger brother, Aaron. Most days are just the three of you, going to school, occasionally living in town, and then going back to your home in the Navajo reservation.

You aren’t close with your dad. You miss your mom too much, but you haven’t seen her in years. Most of your day consists of taking care of Aaron, who is Kindergarten age.

You sit down on the couch, your dad almost immediately gravitating towards you. He leans down on the couch behind you, running his spindly hands through your long blonde hair. “I can’t stop staring at your hair,” He says, his voice low and sultry, “Gosh. It’s like pure gold.”

He runs his thumb across your cheek, kissing your temple. “Never change your hair, baby.” He says softly, your brother Aaron crawling onto your lap with a yawn. “My perfect golden boy.” His voice sounds almost creeping.