Gemma POV
Sandra looked shattered when she arrived in the dining hall. She might be trying to hold her head up like her mother would have instilled in her, but her eyes and mouth showed she was barely holding it together. To expect her to walk into a room where we all know what happened, and some of us saw first hand, it would have been difficult, and I am shocked that Dad and Mum forced her to do it. It was more our mother pushing her to confront the family while it was still fresh and before doubts started to form. I believe Mother is wrong, but I am just a kid; what would I know if I now sound bitter even to my ears? As mother stinging words come back to me, words my mother often used as an excuse.
I took Sandra's hand; I wanted her to know I was not afraid to touch her; just because
