Jamie had to fight back her tears as she gazed at her long-lost sister.

It didn't take long for her to notice that Winnie's face wasn't the same as before. Her eyes trembled as she gripped her sister's hands tightly. "What happened to your face? Was it from the fire? Does it hurt?" Winnie touched her face and lowered her gaze. In truth, she didn't care much about her appearance anymore. A different face was a small price to pay for her life. Surviving had been a blessing in itself. But for someone who had always thought this way, hearing Jamie's concern broke through her defenses. Winnie's eyes reddened for a brief moment. "It hurts, Jamie. It hurts so much."

She had never felt pain like this before. The fire had been agonizing. The weeks spent motionless in bed had been unbearable. And being controlled, drugged, and beaten by that man had hurt the most.

As Winnie spoke, her voice grew smaller, filled with pain. "It hurt so much, Jamie. There were so many times I just wanted to die, but somehow...I made it back."

Before she could finish, Jamie pulled her into an embrace, trembling as she held her. She gently patted Winnie's back, her voice soft and comforting. "It's over now. You're home. I'm here, and I won't let anyone hurt you again." Winnie buried her face in Jamie's shoulder and stayed quiet for a while before murmuring, "Jamie, do you still blame me?"

Jamie let out a small laugh. "When did I ever blame you? You'll always be my sister."

The two sisters sat down and talked for a while. Jamie told Winnie that she had found their mother and encouraged her to visit.

"I can't just yet. There's something I

you need my help?" Jamie

and Jamie didn't push further, though she couldn't help but feel uneasy. She reminded Winnie to reach out if she ever

returned, Winnie slipped away. She didn't want anyone to know she was there. While Jamie felt a pang of regret, she respected

*

carried a sleeping Charlie into

adjusting to the reality of their new life together, Jamie awkwardly hesitated over the sleeping arrangements.

the guest room

a room still felt foreign. After living alone for so long, she struggled to adjust,

off, finding it hard to finish

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