My uncle got out of prison, and the whole family shut the door on him—except for my mom, who hugged him as if someone else were to blame.

a monster that couldn’t be caged. My dad stepped forward, his hands up defensively, but I saw fear flicker in his eyes. “You don’t understand, Diego. You have to believe me. I kept you safe.”

“Safe from what?” I pressed, the words tumbling out. “What from?”

But my dad only shook his head, eyes darting to the exit as if the truth were a living thing that continue reading …