Chapter Three: She Takes My Night Shift

“I assumed they were twins,” Wenchuan said. “Then the first man's body was found. His time of death preceded the second man's appearance.” “Why tell me only now?” “I called three times.” The words returned us both to three years ago. He had called then, too. I had not answered. The memory of my mother's last night was gone, yet my chest still ached. Facts might forget pain; the body did not. “What did that place take?” he asked. “It's none of your business.” “Was it your mother?” My silence answered him. Anger filled his eyes. “You gave her to strangers?” “It was my memory.” “It was also the last place you still had her.” I slapped him. We both froze. I had never struck anyone, even when I hated him most. He turned his face back slowly.