“Don’t cry, ma’am,” she said gently.

“If Mr. Harlan sees you like this, he’ll fall apart completely.”

I wanted to laugh, or scream.

Instead I just let the tears fall.

As night fell, Courtney appeared in my room alone.

Her sweet mask was gone as she closed the door and stood in front of me.

“You know, don’t you?” Courtney asked bluntly.