If she knows about Luther and Gina, Alina thought, staring down at her trembling hands, she'll break completely. She might even faint.
She glanced up again. Lyla was talking softly to her sister, Alina's mother, adjusting the blanket around her with a tenderness that made Alina's chest tighten painfully.
Alina's hands trembled as she held the folder. The words she had rehearsed in her mind scattered like dry leaves in the wind. Her heartbeat pounded so loudly she could barely hear her own thoughts. Still, she couldn't hold it in any longer; the truth was too heavy to keep inside.
"Aunt…" she said softly, her voice quivering. "I want to tell you something."
Lyla turned toward her, her tired but gentle eyes searching her niece's face. "What is it, Lina? You look so serious…"
