Chapter 5

When I opened my eyes again, Evelyn had already turned into a pile of ashes. I stumbled over and pushed Rosie aside. The staff nearby were startled by my cries.

Rosie sighed in relief and said softly to me, “Ev has now been cremated. Stop crying. Let’s pack up the ashes and head home.”

I ignored her. With red-rimmed eyes, I slowly picked up the ashes and placed them into the urn. Rosie remained quiet as she supported Barbara, who had fainted from crying.

After a long moment, Rosie finally pulled me to the side and spoke in an unusually gentle voice. “I know you’re very sad right now. I don’t understand why you’re angry with me. My mom isn’t well and has always hoped for us to get along. Can we just let this go?

“We can have another child. One who’s better and smarter than Ev—”

“Get lost!”

I slapped Rosie hard across the face, leaving her stunned in place. “You don’t deserve to be a mother. You never even let Ev call you ‘Mom’! Now, you’re putting on this act? Do you think burning