Page 107
THIRTY-SEVEN
SIENNA
Saoirse’s hand was in mine as we strolled outside, enjoying the cool air and wrapped in warm jackets. Dad and Tyran disappeared somewhere. My sister really wanted some fresh air, and so did I.
The castle towers were still visible through the trees from here. They rose above the dark forest like pale spears against the evening sky, their windows glowing faintly through the branches.
I kept looking back as we made our way through the forest. I didn’t want to get too far, but fresh air and walking did help. Okay, maybe it had something to do with Tyran. I was determined to try and get better. For my family and for him.
Saoirse walked beside me, our shoulders occasionally brushing as we followed the narrow path away from the castle.
“I still cannot believe how much you’ve grown,” I remarked. “Gosh, you’re taller than me.”
She chuckled. “Maybe I inherited one good thing from Dad. His height.”
My eyes furrowed. Our biological father wasn’t very tall. Then I realized she was referring to Kristoff.
He really had become our father in every sense of the word.
“Do you think they can see us?” she asked. “From the castle.”
I glanced over my shoulder.
“No, but as long as we can see it, we’ll find our way back.”
“But without crumbs.”
I chuckled. “Yeah, without crumbs. The Hansel and Gretel story so close to Halloween is a bit too dark, even for me.”
She scoffed. “What do you mean, even for you? You always hated scary movies.”
“Okay, okay. I don’t like that story because it scares the living shit out of me.”
“I’m going to tell Mom that you cursed.”
I smiled. “Oh, come on. I don’t want to be grounded.”
Saoirse laughed softly, squeezing my hand. “Aren’t you glad you moved out?”
“No, not really.” I sighed, glancing at her profile. “Sometimes I wish I could turn back time and never leave home.”
“Why?”
“I guess I miss the girl I was.”
“Are you saying you’re not the same?”
“I’m saying that none of us are.”
She stopped and turned to face me. “You look like my sister, but also… There is a sadness in you that wasn’t there before.”
For a few seconds, I just stared at her, amazed at her perceptiveness.
“I wasn’t doing great,” I admitted slowly. “But I’m getting better.”
“I don’t want to lose you again,” she whispered.
My chest tightened. “You won’t.”
