AUTHORS POV

“Hell no. I said I’d survive, not suffer.”

They laughed together, two women broken and scarred by the world—but in that kitchen, in that tiny moment, they were just two sisters sharing a sliver of peace over a simmering pot of rice soup.

The aroma of garlic and onions filled the cramped room, a fleeting comfort against the dread that clung to their bones. Murmured prayers to no one in particular rose like smoke.

Deep down in Tessa’s mind, she wondered how long this new found peace would last and if she had her way, she will giver everything she can to a peace of mind that was...