She only asked whether Nicole had sounded tired.

Even near the end, she protected my sister from every hard truth.

Chapter 4 — Promise Me

Then, the night before she died, Mom grabbed my wrist with startling strength and pulled me close.

Her eyes were wide and frightened, and clearer than they’d been in days. “Promise me Nicole will not stand beside my coffin,” she whispered.

I thought the medication had confused her. Then her fingers tightened until it hurt.

“Mom, what are you talking about?” I said.