Chapter 63

"I'm afraid. “I Recognize. "All that's inside of me is fear, Noelle.

"It's not true. "She shakes her head only once. "You had nightmares, but you never stopped sleeping... D-said that forgetting was the best, and you refused not to remember... The world n-wouldn't be the same when you left and even so... V-you tried. You're not afraid, A-Bee. S-just thinks you're crazy, but it's not.

I giggle, sniffling and rubbing my nose at the same time. "It's ironic for a crazy person to say that to another.

"It's the truth. "She looks away at her own feet and breathes deeply before continuing. "M-even with all the pain I'm happy here... I found people like you here. I had a real f-family. S-I'm happy p-to be alive and p-to know that you are too.

Crying copiously, I cover my mouth with one hand, trying to contain a hiccup. Noelle climbs her hand up to my face and lightly ho