The Story Behind the Room without Air Conditioning

When Zoe Floyd's family moves into a new house, her mother Carrie lets her choose a room first, a gesture meant to look fair in front of visiting colleagues and relatives. In her prior life Zoe picked the smallest room, the one without air conditioning, and her mother only bullied her harder. This time Zoe smiles and points to the largest, best-decorated room instead.

Carrie presses her to take the small room, but Zoe asks aloud whether her mother prefers her younger brother Beth. The guests, including Dolcie, Carrie's longtime rival, take notice, and Carrie must keep up her image as a loving mother. Zoe even demands the piano she once gave up, and Carrie pays while seething.

At home the punishment comes: no food, a slap, leftovers thrown at her, while her indifferent father looks on and Beth gloats. Zoe swears to get back at them all.