study in detachment. Dori

ically blocked the numbers of Isadora, Hildur, and every other member

felt significant. She was

er was likely blocked, took a different approach. She sent an email to the gener

line was "We

ud album. Doris's finger hovered ov

cked it

igi trying on white dresses, her face alight with joy. Emit standing beside her

a wedding. While st

rt of her that could be hurt by this was gone. It h

delete the email. She left it there

ith a distant cousin, one of the few rel

tea. "I remember at your wedding, even with everything that happened with Everleigh,

er glass of water

even. "He was protecting me fr

n looked

s added, placing the glas

re was no room for discussion. The

ion shifted t

ed in her mind that night.

a restless sle

ing at her, the way he used to. He handed her a perfect, white rose. "For you, Doris. A

y pierced her skin. Blood welled up, crimson against the white petals. Emit's face

her heart pounding. The s

t a memory. It

n the first place. He had built a beautiful cage and convinced her it was a sanctuary. The cruelty w

g, she knew wha

. In the corner was a trunk filled with her old art supplies.

ut a large,

he had kept. Soft, worn cotton that still smelled faintly of him. Sh

ty donation bin across town. She pushed the box t

o regret. No sadnes

e house, Emit was waiti

up her c

e you?" he

" she

. "I called you.

one wa

gne and frustration. "I have been looking for you.

at?" she asked,

ed her keys onto the hall table. They la

space in her hands. "

thes," she said.

ed. "My

wer. She just

? hurt?-crossed his face. It was

ts," he said, his voice

d and wa

thl

hung in

he needed. The final confirmation that n

he attic. She set

y to paint h