Lila unlocked the door to her sisters cabin and the leftover aroma of ginger cookies and smoke

hit her. She hadnt been since last winter. But that would change; the cabin was hers now. It was late at night. She slipped off her black heels and released a sigh of ease to her pained feet. She shed her dark coat and placed it on the couch. She strolled over to the bathroom to check her reflection, which she knew would not be pretty. Her make-up was running. Her eyes were red. Wiping the tearstains would be ineffective, given time. They would last for a while longer. Gingersnap? Meagan leaned against the edge of the bathtub and offered the box to Lila. Lila jumped, startled. She turned to face her sister. What? N-noWhat are you.what are you doing here? Fine. Suit yourself. Meagan took a bite of the soft cookie. Oh, I just felt like dropping by. Checking on my old house slash your new house. You know, haunting you, all the usual stuff. Why are you here? Lila snatched a tissue from the box beside the sink and attempted to wipe away the black lines dripping down her face. Well, I like what youve done with the place. Meagan took another bite of cookie and looked around the bathroom, nodding. Tissues in the garbage, nice touch. That doesnt answer my question. Im only here because you want me here. What? And her sister was gone. Lila did a double take to the spot where Meagan had just been sitting that was now empty. She needed a drink. Confused, she walked over to the kitchen to look for some wine. She poured herself a glass and sat at the table. So you think you can drink me away? Oh, wait! You already have. Lila dropped her glass. It crashed to the floor. Red wine and broken glass surrounded her. Where did you come from?

Meagan sat on the counter and gave her sister a small smile. Cant I just check on my house? Its my house. Because I gave it to you. Please stop! Fine, fine. Meagan raised two palms for retreat. Silence. But really, havent you had enough to drink? Meagan started. Lila turned away. Im not even going to respond to that. Because you know its true. You know that thats the reason- Could you pour me a glass please? Lila pointed to the cabinet. Hah. No. And her sister was gone. Lila left the dark, smashed mess on the floor and went to her sisters old bedroom. There was Meagan, pretending to be asleep on the bed. She fakeyawned. Morning, sunshine! Its not morning. Right, because the sun and the clock got it wrong. Meagan pushed back the curtain, and the bright light streaming in blinded Lila. She shaded her eyes and turned away. All right, all right, justmake it dark again. Meagan scoffed. Nah. Justjust stop. Lila left the room to find the entire house illuminated. She squinted and shielded her eyes from the blinding light. Her sister sat on the couch, unbothered. Isnt this nice? Meagan looked around at all the light. Lila rubbed her eyes. Make. It. Stop.

The light faded. It was dark again. But she wasnt in the house anymore. There was the speeding car, there were the blurred lights passing by, there was the girl beside her There were the reasons she shouldnt be driving, there was the broken glass, there were the empty bottles There were the people dressed in black, there were the sympathetic yet disgusted looks, there was her sisters pale skin. I can see what youre doing. A blur that was Meagan rose from the sofa. How are you only remembering this now? You knew all along that this was all your- Stop it! Lila screamed. What, you dont want me to say it? Meagan advanced and gave her sister a judging smile. Youre only now feeling the guilt? She paused. The shame? Tears streamed down Lilas face within the lines of the stains from before. Please Their faces were just inches away from each other; one was fear-stricken, the other fiercely teasing. Meagan glared directly into her sisters terrified eyes, and whispered, Because you just couldnt wait to be the lucky one, the loved one. She leaned in even closer as Lila tried to lean away. I heard what you said afterwards. No, nono you didnt! Oh I heardeverything. I heard you laugh and say that I- I never said that! Meagan gave a small smile. Will you let me finish? She cocked her head slightly to the side. Lila stepped back, shaken, and leaned against the wall. She shut her eyes. Meagan walked steadily towards her sister. She spoke slowly. You said that I had it coming. That Ideserved it. Lila opened her eyes. She was in the kitchen. It was nighttime, dark outside.

There was a tin of gingersnaps on the table in front of her. She ate one, then took a bottle of wine from the cabinet. She drank it all down, and contemplated going for a drive.