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"You know, Katie, life is—"

Kate couldnt help groaning Not another life-is speech

Mo "Okay, no more speeches Maybe youre too old for that " She paused at the altar on the dresser "You havent ia was in chemo Who needs our prayers?"

"Tullys mom has cancer and she was ra—" She snapped her mouth shut, horrified by what shed nearly revealed For ; now she had a best friend, though, so shed need to be careful

Mom sat down on the bed beside Kate, just as they did after every fight "Cancer? Thats quite a load for a girl your age to carry "

"Tully seems cool with it "

"Does she?"

"She see," Kate said, unable to keep the pride out of her voice

"How so?"

"You wouldnt understand "

"Im too old, huh?"

"I didnt say that "

Mom smoothed the hair off Kates forehead in a touch that was as fa Kate always felt five years old when heryour friend "

"You should be "

"And youre sorry for being so ht?"