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Maggie

I can't sleep. The branches from the apple tree scratch my window. They cast eerie shadows on my bedroom walls.

I pull the sheets up to my chin.

Something is gnawing inside me. I keep thinking about what happened – back at home. The reason we moved here. The Incident.

I push it away.

Mother said it wasn't my fault.

The jury said it wasn't my fault.

But still I hear whispers outside, rustling among the branches.

They're saying her name.

Jessy Masters. Jessssy Maasssttterrsss.

I pull the sheets tighter and will myself to sleep.

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