rned the nex

sn't

oreman curled up on the sofa, wrapped in a

isper. "I hope you don't mind. The doctor said I need so

d never "insist" on something so troub

d," Claire s

he blanket around Cassandra' s shoulders with

at her. "Cassandra needs to r

request. It

ldn't possibly impose. I'm sure Clai

is tone dismissive. "She's go

nch. He saw her as nothing mor

, tasting blood. S

with wide, innocent eyes. "Could you make me some porridge

nyone but Jessie and, by extension, Cameron. She was an artist,

say no. She wa

ameron's eyes on he

s and turned toward the

dge. When she brought it out, Cameron was

oom. The sweet, fragile mask was go

know that?" she sneered. "Ten years,

e bowl on the

n disgust. "This is too hot.

ok the bowl, intending t

rom her hands and deliberately poured

t a pierci

It b

fury. He saw Cassandra clutching her red, scalded a

lunged forward and grabbed Clair

ll did you d

fake tears. "It's not her fault, Cam! I just said it

but Cameron was already sh

you. I warned you

h force that she stumbled backward, hitt

to his arms, his voice softening

d over his shoulder at Claire. Her lips

embling. The fight drained out of her,

around her knees, m

into the silence. "Ple