"I know you're struggling with a few things. And I need you to hear this."
Adeline's heart hammered in her chest. She didn't dare speak, afraid to interrupt.
"You shouldn't feel bad," the voice said, softer now, almost tender, "About becoming me. About gaining the love of Father and my brothers. You're doing everything I should have done in the first place. All I did was cause trouble. I squandered every opportunity they gave me, and I hurt them in ways I can never undo. But you..."
She paused, her voice thick with emotion. "You've changed things for the better. You're doing what I couldn't."
Adeline's throat tightened. She didn't know what to say.
"But there's more," the original Adeline continued. Her tone shifted, a note of hesitation creeping in. "Right now... I'm in your world."
Adeline's breath hitched.
"Your parents," the voice said slowly, as though carefully choosing each word, "have become mine."
