She stood beside the bed, her heart pounding. Even in the cool air, she felt herself having hot flashes, as if a pirouetting flame feathered her skin. She turned towards Mark. Their eyes locked. Then she confidently made her way across the room, holding on only to her tiny drop of faith as she approached the far right wall. She was ready. She was able. It was time. “Do it, Bijou, you can do this!” Mark hollered through the loud noise of the wind blowing in the room, moving papers and objects all about the vast area. Bijou shot him a glance, then traced the room with her eyes. “Rhine, I’m your sister, I love you, but this is it!” Her fingers gripped the side of a sturdy antique oak dresser as the whirlwind of gusty air increased. The shadow faded, but the presence was very much still alive, invading the space in time, swallowing comfort and peace as each second passed. “I deserve to have a life, it’s my turn!”
