“She said she wanted to be tough, like in the movies,” Cassie said breezily. “It means she’s a warrior now.” She showed me her phone proudly. It was a video of Kay crying, trying to pull away from the table while Jacques held her shoulders and Cassie worked the needle.

“Stop being such a baby,” Cassie’s voice in the video taunted. “These symbols mean you’re strong.”

Kay’s small voice begged, “I don’t want to be strong! I want to go home! It hurts, please, Cassie!”

But Cassie was laughing. “Pain only makes you stronger.” She deliberately pressed her needle harder, drawing louder screams from my daughter.