She looked up at me, her mascara smeared horribly. I guessed she hadn’t bothered to take it off from that day’s school. I realized her eyes were drifting to the inside of her left arm, and I sensed guilt.

“Emma…” I started, but I stopped myself, remembering that I had done much worse and she had let it go.

“I’ve been so stupid, Bri,” she sighed, the tears stopping at last.

“I can’t really judge, sis.”

“Brigantia, your mom was comatose. You had a reason. A boy went out of my life. That’s hardly a qualification.

“Em, don’t worry about it. Here, this ought to help.” I handed her some tea that I’d happened to bring. “I have something to tell you.”

“What?” she asked, her eyes immediately darting to my arm.

“Not that. I’m.. um.. not human,” I answered, putting it as gingerly as possible. She tilted her head and sat up.

“What are you then?”

“I’m not sure,” I replied, expecting her to freak out.

“That is awesome.”