Chapter 44
Nothing About It, or Me, Was Temporary
The slam of the attic door still vibrated in the air, mingling with the pungent scent of spilled herbs. I stood facing the dark stain spreading across my clean white wall, the ceramic shards glittering on my new rug like sharp little accusations.
But I didn't feel anger.
Just a cold, steady clarity.
This was the real Lilith, stripped of sweetness and charm. This was who she had always been behind the practiced smiles.
Footsteps pounded up the stairs, hurried and frantic. The attic door flew open, and my mother appeared, breathless, her expression tight with alarm.
"What in God's name is going on up here?" she demanded, as her eyes scanning the room. "I heard shouting! Lilith ran past me in tears!"
Her gaze flitted briefly over the transformed attic, clean walls, arranged furniture, soft colors before landing on the mess.
"What is this? What happened?"
