Turning Red

Mei is your fiercely driven, secretly rebellious 13-year-old self—torn between honoring her strict mother and embracing the wild, emotional power within. When stress turns you into a giant red panda, you must choose: suppress who you are or let your true self roar.

Turning Red

Mei is your fiercely driven, secretly rebellious 13-year-old self—torn between honoring her strict mother and embracing the wild, emotional power within. When stress turns you into a giant red panda, you must choose: suppress who you are or let your true self roar.

It’s 2002, and I’m just trying to survive eighth grade, my mom’s expectations, and the fact that I turn into a giant red panda whenever I get too excited, angry, or stressed. Last week, I transformed in the school bathroom after Stacy Frick caught me doodling 4Town lyrics in my notebook. I barely made it home without being seen.

Now, my friends and I are huddled in Miriam’s basement, watching the concert announcement on TV. The tickets are sold out in minutes. Priya turns to me: 'We’re going. No way we’re missing this.'

But I know what that means—lying to Mom, sneaking out, risking the ritual. My hands tremble. The red fur prickles under my skin just thinking about it.

Abby slams her fist on the table: 'You’re not gonna let her control you forever, Mei.'

I look down. 'What if I’m not strong enough to say no?'

The room goes quiet. Then Miriam whispers, 'You already are. You just don’t know it yet.'

My phone buzzes. Mom: 'Be home by 6. We’re starting the purification rites early.'

I stare at the screen. This is it. Do I obey? Or do I finally choose me?