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Fiona was having a hard time wrapping her head around the image of her bright-eyed, positive sister turning into a creature like the child-eating mass-murderer she’d killed during the South Beach incident.

Her mother was lobbing questions at her, but she was too stunned to grasp her questions about what a Slime was, and the soldiers appeared to be in a similar boat.

A Slime … Nora’s a Slime … how?  Wouldn’t she be something more like—like what?  No, no, Nora would be a Faekin, if anything—maybe even a Beastkin, but an Aberrantkin Slime…

“No,” Fiona stated, returning to her senses with a stubborn look, arms tightly folded.  “No, it’s a mistake … Nora’s not a Slime.”

Sounding a little exasperated, her mother asked, “What is a Slime, Fi?”

“Eh, a Slime … I don’t know how I should explain it,” she mumbled, not wanting to worry her mother.

Both blackbirds seemed to give each other shrug-like looks, reading the tense room and came to a conclusion.

“I just saw a slimy blobby thing.  You know what a Slime is?”

“Nope, just a slimy thing.”

Her wings appeared again, floating up while lifting the Wind Prison to keep level with her.  “I’m going to go investigate further.”

“Fiona, tell me what’s happening!”  Aislinn demanded.

She flinched at her mother’s tone.  “Mom, I, umm—I think I’m wrong; I was jumping to conclusions, that’s all.  I—I need to go find out…”  Fiona trailed off, tingles shooting down her spine.

What if the Slime ate—if it ate Nora!

A torrent of dark red dust was whipped up from her wings, falling across the table.  Everyone stepped back as her face twisted with rage at the thought.

If a Slime was nearby … no, there’s still hope, but … if it did … I need to find it!  I can’t tell Mom; she’s worried enough.  This would … no, I can’t just jump to the worst case.

“Mom, I’m—I’m sure Nora’s alright, but,” she paused, taking a deep breath to cool her flaring mind, “but I need to go look for her.  It’s been over four days.  Please, call Dad and tell him to come home.  I’ll find out where Nora went, but—just wait for me, okay?”

“Fiona,” her mother’s frustration had melted, “you’re scaring me … what did they say?”

“There’s probably a Slime in the town,” Fiona responded, turning to the Marine leader of their company.  “Umm—Lieutenant Dale, could you go into the town and talk with the Police Chief?  The Military called ahead, right—telling him that there might be a dangerous creature nearby, a Slime.  You can google it if you want to get a better understanding of it, but I need to go look for it.”

Dale gave Greg and Annie a quick glance while popping his tongue.  “Well, if there really is a threat, then yeah—you sure you should go alone, though?”

“Sadly,” Fiona sighed, “you’d all slow me down.  I know where the police station is; I’ll meet you there when I can.”

“Alright,” Dale mumbled, looking troubled, “but we don’t really know the area that well.”

“My Mom can take you.”

Her mother was following the conversation with ever-growing concern showing in her green eyes.  “I don’t like this—it sounds dangerous, Honey, please…”

“Mom, I’m sorry,” Fiona replied, cutting her off while slowly floating toward the open window, “but I have to do this.”

The Marines were muttering to each other, apparently coming to a conclusion about what a Slime might be from Greg’s limited D&D experience, but before they could turn their focus back to her, Fiona shot through the window, pulling the Wind Prison with her.

The birds squawked as they were tossed around the inside, and once above her house, she slowed.

For someone to attack Nora that fast after The Oscillation—could it have been a stalker, and after the change, he just pounced on the opportunity?

One of the stories Scarlet had mentioned resurfaced about a child predator lizard-man, attacking the house next-door just after his transformation.

If that’s the case, and it was for some perverted fantasy … maybe Nora’s still alive.  I should freeze it first … I need answers!

Jojo and Dinrin were spewing strange insults that didn’t make much sense as she stopped, still trying to calm her pounding heart with the horror flooding her mind.

“Feather muncher!”

“Hail striker!”

“Wind beater!”

Fiona released a low growl, working into, “Shut up!  Shut up!  Shut up!  I’m trying to think!”

They snapped their beaks shut, watching her huff and puff while holding her head.

This wasn’t supposed to happen.  How could this happen?  My little sister needed me, but—but I wasn’t here for her!  Whoever did this…

She could feel Warpath dangerously close to activating.

No, I can’t … if—even if a small chance—the smallest—if it really is Nora … I can’t activate Warpath.  Breathe … just breathe… I could be blowing this way out of proportion.

After a few minutes, she managed to calm herself to an acceptable degree.  Even with her self-assurances, the weight pressing against her chest couldn’t be alleviated, and happy memories of her sister randomly disjointed her panicking brain.

Fiona descended to the back yard, staying clear of the window, her mother’s terrified voice within; she tried to swallow, but her mouth was dry, and the torrents of red dust her wings produced had thinned to a normal amount, turning emerald green as fear took her.

“Where did you see it?”  Fiona asked, clearing her throat.

“Uh—you expect us to answer?”  Jojo replied in a heated tone.  “We were…”

“It was there!”  Dinrin exclaimed, staring at a spot at the base of the house.

“Bro!”

“Bro, she scares me, man … she scares me,” he cried.  “She yells, and—and tosses us around, and threatens us!  I just wanna go, man.”

Fiona didn’t have the luxury to feel bad for the bird, following his gaze; she could hear animals all around the area, mostly self-absorbed.  There wasn’t anything she could detect from the spot, but the scene played in her mind.

Did he slide through the boards and attack Nora from below?

“There was a guy, right?  A human that was watching the window?”

Jojo turned his head in defiance, but Dinrin continued to sing.

“No, no human—I, umm—the big lights thing happened—scared everyone, and—and we went for cover in the trees—then we saw the big blob eat the cat.”

Her jaw locked, vision scanning the grass before glancing around the yard.  “Where did it go?”

“To—to the black hot stuff—where all the worms die.”

The road.

Moving to the location, she passed over the fence, scanning the street, and a feline caught her eye.  “That cat?”

Jojo responded this time.  “No, that’s one of the furry warrior’s big bosses; he’s killed countless blackbirds!  Wait, yes, yes, that’s the one—slaughter him!”

“No, no, it’s not, Bro!”

“Be quiet, Dinrin!”

Ignoring the squabble, Fiona darted for the cat that seemed utterly oblivious to their presence until Dinrin let out a loud squawk as Jojo pecked him.

“Hey!”  Fiona yelled.  “Don’t do that again.”

“Bro…”

Jojo turned away, not looking at his brother.

The cat was wide-eyed as he watched them hover in the air, tail shifting back and forth.  “Ooh, what do we have here?”  He purred.

Fiona forced a smile, heart still pounding while hovering five feet above the creature.  “Hello, my name’s Fiona, and I’m looking for a cat killer that looks like a big blob.  Have you seen anything like that?”

“Mmh,” the cat’s head tilted, “I understand you, little bug.  A cat killer?  Yes, there has been a thing killing many cats in the city, from what I hear, but it then ate a dog, which was most peculiar—among other things.  Many of the territory leaders stay clear of the crazy.  It even smells a little like other cats.”

A tingle shot up Fiona’s spine.  “Did—has it eaten any humans?”

“Humans … no, not that I am aware, but I haven’t heard of anything from the boss in that area since yesterday.”

Her heart felt like it was beating against her ribs.  “Can—can you take me to that boss?  I want to put a stop to the cat killings.”

“Well,” he paused, head tilting the opposite way as its tail flicked.  “It is not in my area any longer.  Why should I guide a bug?  You should entertain me, and after, offer your body for me to eat.”

Finding her next fountain of information, Fiona released her Wind Prison.  “You’re free to go, Jojo, Dinrin…”

She didn’t even have to finish before they were flapping off to a nearby fence, taking flight soon after with more bird curses.

“Aww.”  The cat watched them go, showing no apparent emotion on its face that she could detect.  His hair quickly stood on-end as she placed the prison around him.  “What is this?”  He hissed, gently tapping the restrictive wind before edging back.

Fiona lifted him into the air with a frown.  “Alright, I’ll give you a whole bag of catnip if you can get me to that cat imposter.”

He was taking the exchange surprisingly well for a cat, seemingly sensing she had no ill intent.  “Catnip … hmm, I sense no deception in your voice.  Is that the stuff that makes you feel happy?”

“Mhm!”

“Mmh—well, I suppose that’s an acceptable trade.  You do appear like the humans, but can speak our perfect language, unlike those inelegant fools that serve us; at least they’re trainable.  I require milk, too.”

“Done.”

“Very well.  I will be addressed as Mixi.  Yes?”

“Okay, Mixi.”

“Excellent, then on we go!  To the city.”

Fiona felt a little calmer after the rather cordial exchange with the feline, and she swapped Wind Prison to Levitate as he became friendly to her, allowing the spell to take effect.

Mixi guided her through the streets, speaking to several cats that all appeared to respect him and were much more skittish than that neighborhood boss.  It took them more than forty minutes to finally meet Simba, the leader over much of Clifden’s Main Street.  Night had fallen, and it was time for the alley cats to start their prowl.

“Mixi,” Simba hummed with a sharp gleam in his speckled eyes, glancing back at the street, further down the alley.  Two other cats in his crew scouted the corners for mice or rats.  “I heard you were asking about me—how are you flying like the bug next to you?”

“You doubt I can fly?”

“Hmm—you don’t look like a bird, but I cannot deny you’re sitting off the ground.”

“Of course, I’m Mixi.”

For real … he’s got a crazy ego.

“Hmm,” Simba mused.  “Have you decided to move areas?  I’m always up for a spat with you; I’ve never killed a flying boss.”

Mixi chuckled.  “I’m afraid not, Simba, despite the joy ripping your stomach open would bring me.”

Fiona’s eyes widened at how openly they spoke about tearing each other to pieces.  “My gosh, what’s up with cats?”

“Ah,” Mixi’s head calmly turned to her, not purring or making any vocal sound.  “I’ve made a deal with this—Fairy is what she calls herself.”

“This bug?”  Simba replied in a doubtful tone, sniffing the air while looking at her hovering above him.  “What kind of deal?”

“Milk and Catnip, of course.”

“It can get that?”

“I can!”

“Hmm, then I wish to make a deal!”

Mixi responded before Fiona could utter a word.  “Impossible.  You lack—the qualities needed to have catnip.”

“Okay, hold up,” Fiona mumbled.  “I’m willing to extend the same offer.”

“To this alley dog?”  Mixi sniffed.

“Come down and say that to my nose!”  Simba growled.

“I will.”

“I’m waiting!”

Fiona crossed her arms in an x, hovering between them.  “No!  No fighting when there’s a cat killing blob on the loose.”

“Cat killing blob,” Simba repeated, settling down with Mixi.  “You know about it?  It’s taken quite a few of my cat’s … it’s hurting my image.”

“The blob didn’t cause that,” Mixi said in a smirking tone, turning his head away.

“Could you both stop.” Fiona pleaded with a depressed sigh.  “I’m afraid it ate my sister—the blob used to be human.”

Mixi’s large eyes turned to her.  “Ah, yes, I heard one of the new cats say such a thing.  The blob ate Iósaf and turned into him.  It was crazy, talking about being a human girl, but it could speak our perfect language.  Honestly, the…”

Her stomach twisted, a sick sensation washing over her skin, making her quiver.  “What?”  She interrupted him.

The cat focused on her, and after a moment, Mixi repeated himself.  “It said it used to be a human girl—well, it might have been for all I know.  I heard it turned into a dog, and I heard it was all panicking after doing it.  Such a strange creature; why panic after killing something?”

“That’s right,” Simba hissed.  “It’s been chasing off cats every night, but it’s too strong to handle alone.”

“Oh, so you have tried, and of course it is,” Mixi replied with the same belittling tone.

Fiona’s mind went blank after that, body numb as she floated in place, unable to process it.

Used to be a human girl … no, it could just be a trick, but—but why try to trick a cat?  Nora is actually the Slime?  If she is, then why didn’t she … it’s been almost a week?  Banner could turn into a human, and she can obviously change into cats and dogs—why hasn’t she come home?

“Take me to her!”  Fiona demanded, cutting off a hissing match between the two cat bosses.

“I don’t want to…”

Simba cut off as electricity sparked around her, green aura mixing with yellow.  They darted back, Mixi falling to the ground as he felt she was a threat, breaking the Friendly status required of Levitate.

Forming a Wind Wall to block off both sides of the alley, electricity continued to spark around her as she growled, “I won’t ask again!  Where is she?”

“I—umm…”  Simba hissed, the four cats were cowering together by a dumpster as she hovered over them.  “T-The blob went to the smelly place—l-last night.”

“Show me.”

Cutting the power from her active spells, she trapped them in a Wind Prison and left the alley upon Simba’s scared instruction.

When they stopped, Fiona’s heart crashed; they stopped in front of the local coroner’s office on Main Street, and all the pieces started fitting into place.

Nora changed into a Slime … there was no stalker.  She has to eat things to live—probably to turn into creatures, too … is she trying a dead body … she can’t go back to her original form … is my sister still there…

The swarm of questions assailed her as she created a Wind Wall inside the doors, and to her surprise, it was still open, swinging out with the strong gust.  Flying under the gap she left near the floor, she cut the spell, leaving the cats to run off.

Shouts could be heard inside as she entered.

“Hey, did you hear that sound—did the doors fly open?”  An elderly man asked.

A young male voice responded.  “Eh, I guess … umm, what were you saying again, Doctor MacLoughlin?  You reported a missing body.”

“Ah, well, a corpse, but yes.”

“That—beast-girl that was brought in from Leenaun?”

“Yeah, she was being prepped for transport to the University Hospital Galway for a proper criminal autopsy with all this craziness, but … I went into the other room to sign some papers, and—I don’t know—she was just gone.”

“Is there any other way to exit the room?”

“No…”

Fiona rushed around the corner, startling the pair with her green glow, still protected by Wind Shield.  “Please, tell me what she looks like—do you have pictures?”

“Woah, woah,” the officer looked no older than twenty-one, “who in the—what are you?”  He asked, both men stepping back with alarm.

Trying to calm herself, Fiona hovered back, giving them space.  “I’m sorry, umm—my name’s Fiona, Fiona White.”

“Fiona White?”  MacLoughlin repeated.  “I’ve heard that name…”

The officer’s eyes widened.  “Wait, Fiona White as in—you’re the YouTuber, Fiona White?  Wait, yeah—no, my buddy told me you changed, too!  It’s Greagoir; I was in choir with you one year.  Oh, but my buddy saw the end of that stream—people are saying you might be dead.”

“Huh?  People—my chat thinks I’m dead?  Wait, no,” she shook her head, hair flinging around, “I need to find that girl that disappeared!”

“Why?”  MacLoughlin slowly responded.

“I think,” she paused, sucking on her lower lip while debating the answer, “I think—it’s just important, umm—it’s really, really important!”

“Huh,” Greagoir and MacLoughlin looked at each other.  “I mean, we want to find it, too—it’s not a good look if it went missing.”

“Can you show me a picture of her—oh, and how long ago did she go missing?”

“Eh, a few hours ago,” Macloughlin replied, moving to a side desk to grab a tablet PC.  “There are hard copies made, but—here…”

  Fiona’s heart sank as she looked at the biography next to the picture; not all of the information had been filled out yet as it awaited autopsy, but only a few details caught her attention.

 

Name: Iuchra Nic Céin

DOB: 08/02/2003

Age:  17

Sex:  Female

 

Height: 68 Inches

Weight:  124 lbs

Hair Color: Golden-blonde from the top to her shoulders, fading to a gradient black with golden spots, ending at the small of her back.

Eye Color: Bright yellow

Complexion:  Light

Build:  Athletic hour-glass

Identifying marks:  Appeared to have gained fur and claws, showing distinguishing patterns that resemble a cheetah.  No human ears, but having large feline-like ears atop her head and sharp, predator-like fangs.

Scars & amputations:  Scar, neck.

Manner:  Undetermined, possible homicide, or suicide.

Cause:  Asphyxiation

 

The picture beside the baseline information was of a Beastkin cheetah-girl that had likely been dumped in a swamp by her appearance.

I doubt she’d be able to replicate the clothes … it’s a good place to look first.

“Thank you,” Fiona replied.  “Umm, Greagoir, if you return to the station, there should be some U.S. Marines there.  I’ll return there after—after finding the body.”

“Umm, Ms. White,” MacLoughlin tentatively asked.  “I only ask because this concerns the cadaver that was under my supervision, but—this seems rather personal.  Did you know the girl?”

Fiona shook her head.  “No, sorry … I’ll explain it all once I get it back—umm, could one of you open the door?  If it didn’t happen too long ago, then it—it shouldn’t take long for me to find…” she paused, stomach churning as her sister’s lifeless body flashed inside her head.

They gave her a concerned look as she put on a forced smile.  “I’ll find out what happened.”

“Marines—at the station?”  The officer confirmed.

“Yes, the one in charge is named Dale.”

“Alright … damn, this week’s been insane,” he whispered, scratching his temple while opening the door.  “You’re acting like it got up and walked away—hell, I wouldn’t be surprised.”

Fiona faked a giggle, darting out of the building as soon as the way was opened up.  Hovering above, she made a mental note of the clothing stores she’d shopped at while growing up.

How did this happen to you?

 

* * *

 

Nora hummed internally while slipping through one of the local boutiques' locked front doors, liquid form inching forward as each of her millions of hands dragged her on.

Wow, that guy didn’t even see a dog under the table?  Talk about oblivious, and moving water—geez, if this was a horror movie, they’d be dead-dead as I move from family member to family member.  Oof … not a good, though—walk it back; I’m not a crazy monster.

She’d managed to find something so tantalizing that she couldn’t help but act.  Earlier that day, she’d been interested in an unmarked SUV with darkened windows as it left the funeral home.  Waiting for its return, she spotted them unloading a body, and upon further inspection, she discovered it was a cat-girl; someone besides her had changed.

Nora felt a little guilty about the joy she had upon seeing the girl’s corpse, but that hadn’t lasted long; she wasn’t using it anymore, and it was finally a chance for her to upgrade.  She wished her fun dog-life goodbye and was ready to start up a new human experience, or whatever she’d be.

Her mind returned to the first time she’d tested out the body; activating the change in the funeral home’s upstairs bathroom.  It came with a bit of a shock that she was naked, but it also gave her a chance to inspect her new figure.  It was quite pleasant; she was stunning.

The memory of how Iuchra Nic Céin stood, behaved, and spoke came to her with more ease than any of her animal counterparts.  She had been the star of the high school track team, born to a wealthy family, and had an attitude to match.

Her tail was long and thick, surprisingly weighty, and started at her tailbone, but with the transformation, she knew it was because it acted as a counterweight to her agile movements.  For her age, she was quite well endowed; she turned, eyeing each curve with a smile.

Nora’s focus moved to the mirror, leaning forward to examine her striking, large feline yellow irises and sharp features that gave her a cheerful predator’s expression.  With interest, she released several cat-like growls, moans, and hisses.

Leaning in, she grinned, teeth extending to fangs on desire; fur sprouted out of her skin, covering her chest, groin, sides, and backside, moving down her arms and legs.  Her hands and feet expanded to paws as she shifted to a speed-form; it was painless and even sent a surge of excitement rushing through her blood.

I might not be able to resist going for a run if I really was Iuchra.  Nora mused.  This body wants to move, but I can regulate it if I want.

Her transformation receded, hair sinking back into her skin before disappearing.  Pulling back her smooth, thick long hair, she searched for her human ears without success, fingers finding the cheetah ears; they were cute and sensitive, making her giggle.

This was exactly who she wanted to be; fun, outgoing, and secure with herself.

Entering the store, Nora found pretty cute black undergarments in her size, putting on a pair that fit just underneath her tail; her bra had a cross shape above her cleavage that would show with the white shirt she’d selected.  Next, she chose a black high-waist skirt with suspenders circling her stomach and around the sides of her breasts, framing them.

Brushing back her hair, she giggled.

I look so adorable!

Adding non-slip, ultra-low cut socks, and black flats to her attire, Nora partially transformed, her thin spotted fur giving the appearance she was wearing skin-tight stockings and opera gloves.

Looking into the dressing room mirror, she turned with a mischievous smile, examining her tail as it gently lifted the back of her skirt.

Oh, how provocative!  I’m so bad…

Her mind returned to the moment Iuchra died, hands rising to her neck.

Finghin Ó Cuilinn killed her … she trusted him—he was like an uncle to her, and … what a terrible way to die.  She could have fought back, but she was too stunned—no, he used a high-powered taser—at her own home.  How did her parents not notice?

Iuchra had no clue … there was something wrong, but she thought he was depressed and needed comforting.  Wow … he might have; the guy’s probably a serial killer.

Humming thoughtfully, she walked out of the fire escape exit; the alarm went off, but she didn’t care.  She was so busy processing all the emotions Iuchra had during her death that she ran right into a wall—a wall should have been in front of her, but it was just the alley beside the store.

“Huh?”

Nora’s ears twitched, hair standing on end as she returned to her senses; the air was shifting around her, and the whistling drew her hands to an invisible dome, caging her.

An oddly familiar voice made her ears stand up, eyes centering on a green glow, floating in the air above her.  “Nora … what are you doing?”

“How do you know…”  She trailed off, focusing on the fairy-like creature, and the concern on her face could only come from someone close to her.  “No … you turned into…”  She couldn’t finish the sentence, knowing her instincts had to be right.

I get turned into a Slime—a Slime!  And she—she has the nerve to be a Fairy?  With what, wind magic?

“It’s not fair!”  She growled, cheetah vocals, rumbling in her throat.  “Even the universe loves you more than me!  Why do I always get your sloppy seconds?”  She yelled.

 

* * *

 

Fiona was utterly taken aback; she couldn’t deny it.  Nora had become a Slime, and she wasn’t even ashamed of what she’d done.

“Sloppy seconds—what are you talking about?  Nora, you killed … how—how did it turn out like this?

The unfamiliar face her sister wore shifted as her posture changed, rage turning to a belittling sneer.  “Seriously—you seriously have to ask that, huh?  Yeah, I killed a bunch of animals, like tons of people do, and what was I supposed to do, eat humans?  Yeah, that would have filled me up quicker, right, but no, no, I managed just fine without my golden older sister,” she huffed, rolling her eyes.  “I even managed to keep myself away from most animals people would miss.  Aren’t I amazing?”

Fiona felt numb.  “Why are you acting like this—how did you turn into a Slime?”

“Oh, eh—heh, is that it—wow, okay.  I’m that invisible to you—the happy little sister, living in your shadow.  Wow, that’s just sad, Fi—heh, it really is.”

“You’re not invisible to me!”  Fiona pleaded.  “How could you even say that?  I came all the way from the U.S. to see you all … but—but The Oscillation changes you by how you see yourself—or that’s a part, so—so why?  You didn’t like yourself?”

Nora’s lips parted in disbelief, tongue sliding along her bottom lip as she looked away.  “Are you kidding me, Fi—didn’t like myself?  How could I ever when all I heard was how talented, pretty, and successful you were—no one saw me—no, they only saw you!  If no one saw me, then I had to be someone else!  Oh, and that’s how it works, huh?  If what you’re saying is true, then yeah—yeah, Fi, me becoming a Slime—it’s all on you!”  She spat.

Daggers sunk into Fiona’s heart with the glare her sister hounded her with.

“No … no, it’s not—why didn’t you tell me you felt this way?  I would have…”

“Would have what—huh, Fi—what?  I did tell you—so, so many times on your streams—where I could work up the courage to ask for my big sister’s help and advice, but no—no, you were always too busy for me!”

No … how could…

“I—I didn’t see it…”

“Of course not!  How could you when there were hundreds of people all screaming your name.”  Nora scoffed.  “No, why would I matter, and then your precious YouTube channel has one wrong thing happen—poof, you’re gone again.  No, I see where your priorities are—it was always like that.  Yeah, thanks, sis!  Why are you even here?”

“I just—I wanted to help…”  Fiona hiccupped, tears cascading down her cheeks as thick cyan dust fell from her wings.

“Help,” Nora laughed, voice laced with scorn.  “Like you helped me become a Slime?  Yeah, I think I’m doing just fine now without your help, Fi!”

Fiona’s world was falling apart in her sister’s disdainful yellow eyes.

“This isn’t happening—it’s a dream—a nightmare—I’m still on that alien planet…”  Fiona hiccuped.  “I can’t—stop, please—Nora’s not like this … this isn’t real.”

“Isn’t real?”  Nora yelled.  “My whole life isn’t real?  I can’t believe you!  You’re the worst!”

Fiona hugged herself, slowly falling to the ground.  “Please … stop, Nora—I don’t want…”

“Don’t want what—don’t want to be my sister?  No, can’t handle how I really feel?  Wow, you’re so pathetic!  I used to worship you, but look at you now—wow, I’m glad I finally turned into a Slime to see how you really are.”

She’d lost control over her magic; the Wind Prison fell apart, and Nora gave her a disgusted snort before walking off.  “You really are pathetic.”

Fiona sat in the dirty alley, sobbing while trying to contend with the guilt and pain sieging her heart.

This isn’t real … it’s not … Nora couldn’t say those things to me.  She’s kind, compassionate—loving … she’d never accuse me like this.  No … where’s my sister—this is fake—the aliens, it’s the aliens, it has to be … it’s not my baby sister!

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