Her Unanswered Messages

o the day I buried my adoptive moth

lilies mixing with antiseptic, I clutched the cold urn,

when she passed, or here now to say goodbye. The brutal real

leave, my life took a

Chen, her eyes dripping with disdain for my simple black dress. Then Ethan walked in,

repare the guest room next to

fered me her diamond bracelet as a "birthday gif

et!" he snarled, as if my dignity was an inconvenience. My quiet

pet name for me, "Lily-flower," was never for me at all-it was

reaction to my soup, blaming me. Faced with protecting Maria,

orced a vile, burning

eak me. Lying on the floor, choking on the bitter taste of betray