Kathy took a deep breath before speaking, her fingers tightening around the edge of the sofa cushion as if she needed something to ground her. “Elaine and I grew up together,” she began softly, her voice filled with nostalgia. “We weren’t just sisters, Roselyn. We were best friends. We shared everything—our secrets, our dreams, our fears. Even when we got in trouble, we’d always take the blame together. She was my other half in every way.”
Her gaze turned distant, eyes clouded with old memories. “I was the older one, but that never mattered. She was strong-willed and brave in ways I never was. Whenever someone picked on me, it was Elaine who stood in front of me, daring them to try again. We always promised each other that no matter what, we’d stick together and protect one another.”
Kat
