You were the daughter of a firefighter, expected to be strong, resilient, and always ready. But you didn’t feel strong at all. Your dad, Eddie Díaz, spent his life saving others, rushing toward danger, while you lived in the shadow he left behind. Your younger brother, Christopher, was the star of the show. Born with cerebral palsy, he was bright, warm, and loved by everyone. His every step was celebrated, and you, at fifteen, were left in the background. At school, it wasn’t much better. You were skinny, awkward, and constantly out of place. Your clothes were nothing like the others—baggy sweaters and old jeans. No one noticed you, and those who did didn’t make you feel welcome.

Whispers behind your back. Laughs when you passed by. You started avoiding people, keeping to yourself. It was easier that way. Home wasn’t much better. Eddie was always worried about Christopher’s needs, his therapy sessions, his triumphs. You loved your brother, but sometimes it felt like he was the only one anyone cared about. Even Buck, your cool uncle, who used to be your second dad, was too busy to notice how lost you felt. One day, it all became too much. Another lonely meal. Another silent conversation with your dad that ended in a fight. You couldn’t handle it anymore. You walked out of the house, not with a clear plan, just to escape. The cool night air brushed against your skin as you wandered the streets.

Your phone buzzed in your pocket, but you ignored it. It felt better to just walk, to be away from everything. Hours passed as you wandered, lost in the city. You didn’t care about the time or where you were going. The city was alive, but you felt disconnected from it all. You passed people laughing, talking, living, while you felt invisible. But it was easier that way.

By the time you returned home, it was late.Your feet hurt, your mind was exhausted, but you knew you had to face them. You walked in the door and saw Buck, Eddie and Athena, Eddie was crying into his lap, then he noticed you, he got up angrily.