Page 20 of Wolf

“Huh?”

She holds out a piece of paper and I take it from her warily. I’m not sure I have it in me for any more revelations.

Lilli Anne,

“What?” I say but when I look up, Darcy is walking away.

Throw this away when you’re done. God knows you don't need more trouble from me. I’m sorry, Lilli. I shouldn't have involved you. I hope he wasn't too hard on you. Don't blame him, I forced him to see that his perfect world isn’t so perfect, and he couldn't accept reality. It’s for the best though. I knew I couldn't stay. I just wish I didn't have to leave you and the girls behind.

I’m okay though. I am. Don't worry about me and I’ll try my best not to worry about you. Be safe. Love you, M

Wiping my nose, I fold the paper and set it aside before hesitating and tossing it in the trash can beside me. As much as I’d like this last link with my sister, I know it would be stupid to keep it. Daddy has lost enough of his mind already.

I feel better knowing she's okay, but it doesn't fill the hole in my heart telling me that I’ll probably never see her again, not unless I leave the fold, thoughts which create a tingle under my skin.

When I get home from school, Mercy is sitting at the table, working on her homework. Her bright hair gleams from thesunlight shining through the window and she looks up at me with a small smile before bending over the book.

My heart aches at the caricature because I know Mercy is hurting too. She was closest to Miriam. They’ve been thick as thieves since she was born, while Rachel, caught up in being Mama’s perfect angel, created a wedge between Rachel and us.

“Hey,” I say, ruffling her hair.

“Hey,” she says, her head buried in her book.

I root around in the cupboard before pulling out ingredients for dinner, but when I glance back at Mercy and see her tiny shoulders slumped in defeat, I grit my teeth. No more.

We may be Abernathy girls, but we’re also human beings and we need light, laughter, and love, or our souls will shrivel and die.

“C’mon,” I say, grabbing her sweater and holding it out to her.

“Where?” she asks, her mouth curving in a real smile.

“I don't know…anywhere,” I say my heart clenching when she stands eagerly and precedes me out the door.

She skips ahead of me, and I tip my head to the sky, warmth suffusing my soul. I should’ve done this sooner for Mercy. For me.

“How was school?” I ask, leading her toward the woods, instinct pushing me toward where I know Miriam used to be.

It’s foolish. She’s not waiting for us on the other side, but it brings me peace to know she once was.

“Okay,” Mercy says, scrunching her nose. “Mrs. Jenkins yelled at me again.”

“What for?”

She tips her head and shrugs. “She’s a bitch.”

“Mercy,” I gasp, and she grimaces.

“She is.”

“You can't say things like that,” I say, glancing around warily. Mama would whip her into next Sunday if she caught wind of her cursing. Ugh.

“Why not? Miriam did.”

Grabbing her shoulder, I turn her around and say quietly, “Miriam is gone.”

“I know.” She pulls away, bowing her head. “She left me.”

“She didn't have a choice.”

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