Chapter 16

"It was so sudden," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "One day he was fine, and the next he was gone. The doctors said it was poisoning, but they never figured out who did it. There were so many questions, so much confusion. It was a nightmare."

Sarah looked horrified. "That's terrible, Ana. I can't imagine how hard that must have been for you."

"It was," I said, wiping away a tear. "And my mom wasn't any help. She was too wrapped up in her own grief and her new life with Mr. Jaxon. She didn't have time for me."

"I'm so sorry," Sarah said again. "You didn't deserve that."

"I know," I said, feeling a mix of sadness and anger. "I just wish things had been different. I wish my mom had been there for me, like she should have been."

Sarah nodded. "You deserved better, Ana. And you still do. You deserve people in your life who truly care about you."

"Thanks, Sarah," I said, feeling a little better. "I'm glad I have you."

"I'm glad I have you too," Sarah replied with a warm smile.

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