Perhaps Laurel was right about her age. I saw it every year in the First Formers at Churchmeads, that transition from happy innocents in new shoes to gloomy, gangling mutes or burgeoning sadists. The child in Grace was starting to leave and something else was taking over, a bully of a creature that broke things and got her into trouble or spilled secrets just because it hurt us to do so. She was bored and frustrated, and friends had slipped out of her hands like fish for so long that it was easier just to hate everyone at school. It was only natural that she'd lash out. All children have it in them to be fierce. Even Adam had his moments when he was younger. He'd bite and scratch for no apparent reason. Sometimes he'd do it to himself too. It was nothing more serious than attention seeking, of course. Look at what I've done. Now ask me why.

It was the same with Grace. Liz and Angela were always busy with the farm and though Jeff was out of prison now, he was still away from the valley more than he was there. That's why she'd taken a hammer to the bathroom mirror. She didn't want to be reminded that the only thing that noticed her any more was her reflection.

Devil's Day by Andrew Michael Hurley