The wrapping paper perfectly outlined the knife that lay inside of it.

Avery and I each held the same gift.

We both slowly unwrapped it, my aunt and uncle watching. They were more like my mom and dad. They had taken me in without hesitation when I no longer had a family.

And Avery had become my sister.

We unwrapped our knives slowly and carefully. I held it up to see its silver edge glimmering...

I stared out the window, watching the red bird move from place to place in erratic movements as I waited.

Then the noise came. A loud rumbling that echoed throughout the house.

I wandered closer to the door near the kitchen until I was under the table, my body hidden except for my right eye.

My heart started to beat, but only slightly faster.

_I was brave. _

The loud rumble stopped, then start...

I have a small crack about two-thirds up from my right corner.

Her eyes always seem to flicker there every time she stands in front of me.

She wasn’t here when I got it. It was nothing crazy. It happened when I was being installed.

I’m sure someone meant to fix it, but it was small enough to be easily forgotten.

But the girl notices. She notices everything.

Her eyes scan over her face with gr...