Chapter 56

“Give me the short version then.”

“It’s the curse.”

She made a note in the folder. “Yes, I see something about that. Who knows about it? How long has it gone on?”

“Forever almost. Only my family knows, but they’re all gone, except my uncle.”

“Does he believe in it?”

“Yes.”

“Do you?”

“No. I mean not really.”

“Then why are you here?”

“I’m afraid.”

She made a note. “Describe it.”

“My heart pounds. The air cuts off. My chest gets tight. I sweat. I don’t believe it, but it doesn’t matter what I think. The curse takes over, whether I believe it or not. It doesn’t care. I heard about it so many times, my whole life. It got inside somehow and won’t leave me alone.”

“When did this last happen?”

“I don’t let it. I don’t get that close anymore.”

“When was the last time?”