Page 105 of Possession

“Well,” I say slowly, shifting uncomfortably. “Then you’re safe now.”

“Megan!”

“What?”

“I need help! I’m yourfreakin’ sister!”

I cross my arms. “You’ve never been a sister to me, Rachel.Not ever.”

Her eyes flash with something unreadable. “What do you mean? Is this about what happened with your ex?”

I scoff, barely able to believe my ears. “It’severything,Rachel. I’m not saying it’s all your fault, but you’re missing something inside you.”

A brain.

A heart.

A soul.

“Something I don’t think you can justlearn.”

Her face crumples. “Are you saying I’m a monster?”

I shrug. “Youcomefrom monsters.”

“And so do you!”

I tilt my head. “I remember my mother. She wasn’t a monster.”

“Andmineis?”

“The fact that you have to ask that is the problem.”

Her shoulders shake as silent sobs wrack her body. For the first time, the tears seem real. Her pain?Real.

She swallows hard. “Megan…” Her voice cracks. “I’m sorry.”

I slide my hands into my sweatpants pocket, fingers brushing over the cash I grabbed on my way down.

This apology is enough for closure. But not enough for anything more.

I pull out the cash—one hundred and twelve dollars—and press it into her palm. “Use this to get something to eat.”

She stares at the bills, then up at me. “Can I stay here for the night?”

“No,” I say simply. “But I can give you the name of a shelter.”

I scribble down the address of the one Lena told me about—the one that actually helps women get back on their feet.

“A shelter?” Rachel whispers, looking defeated.

“Yes,” I say.

She looks at the paper, her fingers trembling. “So this is goodbye, isn’t it?”

“Yes.” I hold her gaze. “And Rachel?—”

She lifts her chin. “Huh?”

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