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Her father has to stop twice to compose himself I tell him it’s okay – he doesn’t have to continue, but each tiet himself under control and carries on with the story When he’s through, I have no idea what to say So I tell hi the call, I call Marta, instructing her to ready the pilot and ements for me to be away from work for a while It’s the worst possible time, but disaster doesn’t plan itself around your calendar, it just sweeps in and punches you in the face, deht now, this situation has my full and undivided attention – and my first priority is Sophie

A few hours later, we’re aboard ht sky I had to carry Sophie to the car and help her board the plane She’s weak and disoriented and that haunted empty look hasn’t left her eyes once Not while she laid in the bed staring at the ceiling, not when I explained that ere flying hoht, and not now – while she watches the little lights twinkling ten thousand feet below us

I’ve packed our bags, which in addition to toiletries and rando, each include formal black attire suited for a funeral

I lift the bottle of bourbon fro place at the center console and pourover at Sophie, I’ether –this plane, her sohting to save her sister’s life My sto its nu effect now more than ever

It’s only once we’re up in the air that Sophie speaks her first words to lass decanter sitting beside me

"Of course" I’d offered her water, tea and tried to get her to eat, all of which she’d refused earlier And while I knew the strong liquor wasn’t the best thing for her e a lass, I hand it to her

Her fingers brush aze

"I love you," I tell her

"I know I love you too," she says, then she takes a big gulp of her drink and grimaces

We don’t talk about ill happen e land I’ve never seen her childhood hoia I want to provide her comfort and take away every ounce of her pain This is the ine I hate it I want Becca back I want ht that crosses my mind – without Becca’s existence, does Sophie’s own existence dilasses of bourbon, which I let her have against ainstmy arms around her, I watch her as she sleeps, and vow that whatever comes next, I will be there for her

Chapter Thirteen

Sophie