hell are you doing?”
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“Choosing myself for once.” Her diamond bracelet flashed as she checked her watch. “You live alone, Mara. You have room.”
I worked punishing hours, maintained a spotless home, and had repeatedly said motherhood wasn’t for me. Vanessa usually called that selfish while requesting another loan.
Lily waited in her yellow raincoat without crying. Her silence frightened me. At Christmas, I’d seen her request permission for a second cookie while Vanessa dismissed her as “needy.” The memory still stung.
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“Where is she supposed to sleep?” I demanded.
“Figure it out. You’re the smart one.”
Vanessa drove off in her white SUV without a backward glance. Lily gently caught my sleeve as I watched the empty street.
“Auntie,” she whispered, “Mom said you’ll go to prison if you don’t sign the papers.”
“What
