cnu-At my fortieth birthday party, my sister swung a baseball bat into…

on her.”

“That’s fair.”

“She’s been gone five years. I’m not scared of her the same way anymore.”

I reached across the table and took her hand.

“She may get out.”

“I know.”

“And?”

Emma looked toward the window, where the backyard lights hung over the patio.

“And we have locks. And a no-contact order. And I have a life.”

Vanessa’s parole was denied anyway. The continue reading …