Chapter 3
PAIN RIPPLED THROUGH my chest. As much as I resented Mother for trapping us here, she’d still taught me everything I knew. It was difficult to imagine living without her.
Courtney grabbed a lemon slice and stuffed it into her mouth. She didn’t say anything, and I didn’t expect her to. A thank-you would have been nice, though.
Bella slid along her couch so that she was closer and reached out for my hand. She even placed her book to the side.
I moved so that I could take the hand she offered and squeezed her fingers.
“I can’t believe she’s gone,” I said without thinking. I wasn’t sure if we wanted to reminisce so soon after Mother’s untimely demise. It felt good to say the words out loud, though, especially to my sisters.
Bella nodded, tears sliding down her face before she w
