rself you're tougher than you ever imagined, that you've mastered the art of holding it toget

that nothing has to change, that we can still be as close as we always were.

ers the next morning when N

me aside, shutting the door behind us. Her

yself, to deny, to deflect. But even the excuses I've rehearsed for years, the ones I whisper in my head wh

ou know? D

ver in the picture. We were inseparable, practically stitched together. He's the one thing in my life that's

gh school,

ving him the cold shoulder, avoiding him. Elena, of course, had no idea what he was talking about. And when

told anyone else. I do the same.

ld

hing for any sign of anger, but she only sounds... exasperated. "I had to drag it ou

g inward. I can't meet her eye

ld have

"Ray, you're my only sister. We

hrugging as if I can physically shake off the weight of it. "There's no

fast, stepping into my path with a

but she's not letting this go. "I want to know

bracing. I don't do screaming matches.

exhaustion. "What good could that possibly do? Look, I've put it behind me. I'm

It's long enough that I finally look up, look

ng. Just there. But not he

in a lot of thin

urrows. "

im, or just vent when things are rough. I can't talk

do that," I say, sounding dumb as hell, like I actually know wha

rt hearing all this," she says

and say, "I won't get hurt." Then, to shut her up for good, I toss out a lit

or just chooses to ign

'll call, but hasn't yet. "So,

rivals for life. What a relief. Oh my God, Ray, do you know what I was thinking the whole ride here?

pan, muscles relaxed. It's a skill, learned right here in this house where she's always the sta

it had

. My heart quickens, pounding against my ribs, but I don't take

smaid?" My gaze lifts, and I feel the unwanted sting of tears pooling against my will. "Wh

y chest as I wait, wait for so

ntarily stunned. B

and my sister laughs. She swats my shoulder playfully, shaking her head as if I've said something rid

that will make them hurt less. "I'm sorry it d

hen I un

favorite person. But in her eyes, I am still just a

e that connect

othin

om the living room, warm, familiar. I don't need to look to know that Noah is ther

hey,

g, eyes fixed ahead, feet carr

alking to you. Can

e back, urging me to bow my head, to submit, to do as I've alwa

heart?" Dad's voice

My fingers tighten around t

did not raise you to

waist, firm, expectant. Noah blinks, confused, and from the stai

arely looking up. "I

s. He understands what he's done and that I am angry.

out. Hope you have

syrupy and polite, just to drive the point home, but

er me, but I step forw

low me," I

oor with del

it might as we