Chapter 38 Prologue

  The Three Sisters

  11 and A Half Years Ago

  "Rie, please don't forget Mish's vitamins. She will need that for her lungs. I will be out until lunch. When I get back, I'll bring us something to eat. Stay safe, sis."

  Her sister Anna pulled her close and embraced her lovingly, soothing her and at the same time drawing strength. Rie gave it without second thoughts.

  Anna bent down to kiss Mish's pale cheek. "Lock the door to our room and don't come out until I get back."

  She smiled and nodded. "You take care, sis. Don't worry about us. We'll manage." They always do.

  Anna smiled tearfully. She loathed leaving her and Mish by themselves but she had to work to feed them. At barely fourteen, she shouldn't be burdened with taking care of two minors -she's a minor herself- she does it anyway. Without reservation.

  All three of them should be in school. They couldn't afford it. Mom had died a few months ago and they were adopted by a crack-addict aunt and her pervert husband.