You were thoroughly confused when you returned that evening to find me sitting on the bed, just staring at the wall.

“Kookie?” you asked worriedly. “Are you okay?”

“You left me,” I whispered. “You left.”

“I went out for ice cream with a couple other friends,” you said, confused.

“You left me.” You stepped forward, concerned.

“Kookie, it’s okay. I’m back now,” you murmured.

“She would’ve been 18 today,” I muttered. “What college would she have gone to, what would she have been, would she be happy?”

“Kookie…?”

“She’s gone, she’s gone, she’s gone,” I muttered. “She’s gone, I didn’t protect her, I failed, she’s gone, it’s my fault, my fault, my fault.”

“Kookie, what happened?” you asked. “Kookie, tell me, please! What happened?” you pleaded. I looked up at you with tears blurring my vision.

“She’s gone,” I whispered. “She’s really gone.”

You sat next to me and wiped my tears away.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

After yet another one of Mom’s rages, I’m kneeling next to Jieun's bed. She’s crying.

“Why is she so mean to me?” she whimpers. “What did I do?” I blink back tears.

“Nothing, princess. Mom… you remind her of someone who did something very bad to you. That doesn’t mean that wha