Chapter 72: Clone Two

"Which one?" Her voice is my voice, but harsher, deeper, more full of old hurt. "Which are you?"

"Clone Three," I say.

Her flat expression changes at once, a huge smile pulling against the metallic side which responds just a moment more slowly to change. Before I can act or speak again she is beside me, arms wrapping around me, hugging me so hard the steel parts of her dig into my skin, my bones creaking from the power of her happiness.

I couldn't care less if her joyful hug breaks bones. I've found her at last.

"Duet." Ever's gentle word is a chastisement.

Clone Two backs suddenly away, though she continues to smile. "Duet," she says, "that's me."

The dog barks, drawing her attention. She crouches, hugging him too, though I see her do so with more care. "Dog," she says and laughs, ending with a snort. "You're a dog."

He licks her face, the human side, before barking again and looking at me.

He knows her. How? Until I understand. He knows her because he knows me.