died my

10

Watching his fake grief made my stomach turn.

They should be thrilled I’m gone, but this hypocrite knew he had to put on a show.

Katherine’s forced smile melted into tears.

I had to hand it to her–with acting chops like that, she’d missed her calling.

“Terry, I just can’t believe Wendy…” she trailed off, playing the devastated friend to perfection.

Terry said nothing, but his dark eyes betrayed his scheming mind.

The phone’s shrill ring cut through the morgue’s gloom.

It was his father, Bob Shane, probably hearing about Mom’s condition.

“You heartless snake,” he spat at Terry. “Pray Wendy’s mother pulls through, or you’ll regret it.”

He hung up before Terry could respond.

Fear flashed across Terry’s face.

He clung to my body, shaking silently.

Maybe he was finally grasping the weight of his actions.

As Mom fought for her life, I found myself on my knees, praying until I had no tears left.

But fate seemed determined to deny me peace.

Terry got the call we dreaded–from Linda.

12:25

2/15

Despite everything. Mom was gone