e agre

us into stronger and more res

*

liza

CE AGR

words that shattered

ly, as if dragging out the moment could somehow change its outcome. But when I reache

getting

sank in. My parents-my super-loving,

W

len my home, my sense of identity-my twin. Wasn't that enough gr

s memories of that d

't believed it. Why would a hurricane just come out of nowhere and wipe out eve

gered. I wi

ed on Eliezer, burying her beneath the rubble. I could still see it-

air. It felt like I was trapped between worlds-past and pres

Be

ther's

y mother's voice follow

ers. Mom bent down, lifting the papers from t

u had to find

ed. But deep down, I knew-

-

So

parents. They sat apart, separated

. I was calmer now, ready

hesitant. "When we lost Eli

h me like glass, but

... I started drinkin

se nights-Mom grieving one loss while suffering an

ne, Bernita.

words filled themselves in, each s

ction. But when I opened them and saw my mother's tear-streaked

l recently." Dad swallowed. "S

ad curled in my

pregnant,

ons. The pride in his voice

er face with trembling hands, and I-helpless,

inued, "but he left when he f

amed of the question forming on my lip

t now, standing at the edge of this reali

ng is too thin. If she terminated, she'd neve

y saw him. Not as the strong, steady father I once knew. Bu

y voice barel

y made. "Her condition for me gaining

e a final blow. Sons.

shoulders shaking, her pai

go to her?"

time. Unwavering. "She is

d my fists

pau

move on wi

it. The

without grabbing my

r

hrough the gate.

. Away from the rea

into the road when

b

g towa

run. I s

eet would

ood f

nt

-

u think happens