This Better Not Be a Dream

None of the random lies Madeline's mother had fed her over the years made any sense, but she said her mother lying about how her grandmother had actually died finally did. "A few years ago, my doctor suggested I have the birthmark on my neck checked. It turned out to be fine." Maggie turned to mom with a raised brow. "But because of my grandmother's supposed death from melanoma cancer, I elected to have it removed anyway."

I still couldn't grasp it; though my heart was already leaping to accept it. Afraid to speak for fear of my voice betraying me, I managed one word. "How?"

That did it. Instantly, my eyes blurred, and I felt my throat constrict until something else hit me. All these years I'd suffered an anguish I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, and Madeline had been dealing with thinking she was going mad. All because of her mother.

The overpowering emotion I'd begun to feel was clouded momentarily as my insides were suddenly on fire, and I turned to Loretta. "Why?"

Maggie . . .