Dedicated to VioletSun5, she reviewed my book a while back (it's in the archive now) and it's been very useful as I go back and edit Anna. Plus she writes the best reviews ever and is just overall super cool. You should check out her books.

"Your therapist called me. She seems to think your condition might be worse than we originally thought." My mom says from across the table I'm sitting at. I nod without taking my attention away from my bowl of cereal.

"I was thinking, maybe it's time we move the second bed out of your room." I jerk my head up, surprising my mom into taking a step back.

"Not yet, mom."

Her lips thin out into a small frown. She walks around the table and rests one hand on the back of the chair as the other began rubbing my back.

"I know you miss her. I miss her too, of course. I would give anything in the world to have her back, but at least she's not suffering anymore." I look back at my cereal and nod. The milk is turning brown and my chocolate rice krispies are getting soggy.

"Your father's inviting us to Piper's baptism next Sunday. I don't think a 2-year-old should make the commitment of being baptized, but she's not my kid." She sighs and twirls a strand of my hair.

"We're happier apart than we had been in years, sweetheart." She twirls a strand of my blonde hair around her finger.

"Amy's doctors say she's starting to talk in therapy again. I visited her and she asked why you haven't come to see her in a while. She's happier. We're all happier."

"What about Anna, mom."

"Anna's happier too. She's not being tested and poked and prodded, she's happy too."

"She didn't even make it to middle school. It's not fair. She deserves to be here."

"I know."

"I miss her, mom."

She softly tugs a strand of hair.

"I miss her too, but I need you to promise me something."

"What?" I sniff.

"Promise me you'll try to get better. Promise me I won't have to watch another daughter get carted off to the psych ward or have to pick out a coffin for you too. I can't do it again, promise me you'll try." I let out a reluctant sigh and wearily give in.

"I'll try, mom."