“A model for what exactly?” I asked aloud as I shot to my feet to begin pacing.

On how to be the best you possible, came Natalya’s snarky retort. I heard echoes of bitterness and rolled my eyes. Well, actually, on how to be a complete you, and behind her words I heard Grandmother’s agreement. Suddenly the woman before me became more…real and I sensed depths of strength that rivaled my own.

You see, when Grandmother and I work together, we can do more, are more than either one of us alone. And that’s what you have to do, Natalya’s mindvoice resonated through me sparking a desire in me to be just as strong, just as real, just as…whole.

I turned inward, to where She resided, determined to connect somehow. She rumbled a warning, memories of screaming flowing past me. I pressed onward, and then there was the maelstrom of pain and fear that was Her. I retreated, sick and shaking, coming back to a body gasping for breath.

“She’s insane,” I said bitterly.

While you’re apart…so are you.