“We couldn’t reach you.”
“Maya ran back inside.”
My mother covered her face as she struggled to continue.
“She carried you through the flames.”
“You survived because she refused to leave you behind.”
Chloe looked at me again, her eyes filling with tears.
“And… these scars…”
I nodded gently.
“They happened while I was bringing you out.”
“They’ve always been the price of keeping you alive.”
The backyard remained completely silent. Many of our classmates lowered their eyes while others quietly wiped away tears, suddenly remembering every cruel joke, every rumor, and every time they had watched Chloe mock the sister who had sacrificed everything for her.
Chloe stumbled backward before collapsing onto a nearby chair.
“I…”
“I told you I wished you were dead.”
“You said it because of me.”
I slowly walked over and knelt in front of her.
“You didn’t know.”
“I did.”
