Chapter 2 Even some of the journalists nearby began to protest indignantly . " Exctly ! A child like this shouldn't be forced on the victim ! Taking her home would only cause further harm ! " I stood there in a daze , utterly at a loss , my whole body stiff and numb . I hung my head . In my line of sight were the scuffed toes of my mother's worn - out sneakers , and right next to them , the pristine , stylish sneakers of the boy - my brother Ethan . The buzzing in my head still hadn't stopped . It ached faintly . I stuffed my trembling hands into my pockets , not daring to take so much as a step closer to her . Despite the protests from the journalists and the Millers , the outcome remained unchanged . In the end , the police handed me over to the Millers , placing me firmly in their custody . My mom refused to so much as glance at me again . Clutching my ten - year - old brother's hand , she slid into the back seat of the black car . A wave of panic seized me , and I scrambled after her . But she didn't let me in . Instead , she shut the door right in my face , My uncle , David , paid me no mind either . He was about to get into the car himself when an officer stepped forward and stopped him . Uncle David let out a cold laugh , his eyes filled with fury and hatred . He walked to the rear of the car , popped the trunk open , and shot me a look of icy didain . " Get in . " For a heartbeat , I was stunned - and then , feeling unexpectedly honored and thrilled , I ran over , both eager and anxious . Before climbing in , I carefully took off my worn - out sneakers , afraid of soiling the pristine interior . I had never ridden in a car before . I curled up tightly in the cramped space and dared a cautious glance up at him , perhaps still hoping for a shred of acceptance . Instead , I saw the police watching him with open disapproval . Uncle David snorted with deision . " What ? Is there a law against a child riding in the trunk ? " The officer frowned , but in the end , he said nothing more . Uncle David lifted a hand . With a heavy thud , the lid slammed shut . And my world went pith black .