The morning light washed across her face, painting her pale skin gold. Ethan smiled and brushed the stray lock of hair away from her cheek. She looked so much younger in sleep, almost childlike.
Yet the image was a lie. Shirley was an old spirit in a young body. Her parents‟ death and her brief time with Jason had forced her to grow up far too early. She'd lived through the nightmare and somehow survived. Maybe now that she'd finally confronted her memories and guilt, she'd be able to do more than that. Maybe now she'd live—and love—without fear.
