ALICIA SMITH

As soon as Emma was out of Olivia’s parents’ line of sight, “Oh my god! I’m scared!” she blurted, hurrying toward Olivia’s room with quick, nervous steps. “You don’t have to be,” Honey said calmly in her mind. “I’m here if you want to talk.” “Thank you,” Emma said, her voice small. “But I feel like I’m lying to them. They were so sincere, and yet… I’m nothing but a fake. I feel fake.” “You shouldn’t think that way,” Honey replied. “If you weren’t here today, those two might be dead right now. Laura was ten seconds away from losing her life, and Smith could’ve had a heart attack before we interfered.” Emma’s eyes widened. “Oh my god! That’s terrifying.” The thought made her stomach twist. She couldn’t bear to imagine something like that happening to her own family, but still, her heart ached for Olivia’s parents. “Yes, it is,” Honey agreed softly. “But I’m sure Olivia will also come around and learn the way of life, in her own time.” “It’s all so complicated,” Emma sighed. “I mean… how