Marquita thinks carefully about the offer while her finger graze the dusty windowpane. She wants to believe that she can have a future. She wants to know the feeling of control. She wants to not be afraid of Mechteld.843Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcAXjgMUMB
Finally she turns her eyes away from the windowpane and says, “You could be lying to me.”843Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0DurcwSiS
Mechteld shrugs and says, “I could be, but I haven’t told you a lie yet.”843Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVtyYCT47r
Marquita silently stares as she feels a uneasiness from deep inside her. Despite all she has seen; Mechteld is still a mystery to her.843Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfwBRImquk
“To do this for me is a favor. I don’t forget those who help me.”843Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCsCESgnYY
The photo of her parents catches Marquita’s eye. Marquita wants to say yes, but the fear of leaving Queens still bothers her.843Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRbprnSAcB
“You can’t just ‘consider’ contact with my parents. You have to promise me. I can’t do this without them. I need them to know that I’m okay and that I love them.”843Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpJG8AsR27
Mechteld shakes her head, “They can’t know what you are.”843Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39wuU9njOS
“Why? If they knew they would understand. I’m sure of it.” Tears once again line Marquita’s eyes as she begins to wheeze.843Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbGVRc0Xly
Mechteld turns away from Marquita’s crying and begins stacking the newspapers, setting aside the one with the picture of Marquita’s parents. Calmly she says, “You didn’t believe me until you violated my thoughts. How do you expect your parents to understand?”843Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVS6oKAKAM
Marquita stands still as she continues to gasps. She knows Mechteld is right, but a burning in her chest keeps her from answering.843Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIyoH5Vm8l
“I need an answer Marquita. Are you coming to Las Vegas?”843Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmakTlrCpJO
Marquita keeps her eyes averted from Mechteld as she asks, “Can I see my parents?”843Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BT3wX3a8V
Mechteld looks at Marquita who keeps her crying eyes. After a long pause Mechteld breathes out and says, “I’ll arrange something, but only after we come back from Las Vegas.”843Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxIkCMKfM2
Marquita looks up from the floor with wide surprised eyes. She watches Mechteld and holds her breath.843Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7QrP9h1QT
“But I think it’s a bad idea to see them, Marquita.”843Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzz3tGbg6k5
Mechteld takes the remaining paper and looks at the side-by-side photos. She then removes the page from the rest of the paper and begins to fold and tear the photos out.843Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXS9aFL46Y
“Why?” Marquita asks, cautiously.843Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cbU1AJYoS
“It’s better to be done with it. The last moments will linger for an eternity. You’d be surprised at how disappointing goodbyes can be if you try to do it over.”843Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDMXmeyQpL
Mechteld hands the pictures to Marquita. She stares at her parent, wishing she could see their auras in the photograph.843Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRugQGWhop
“You said your family was dead. Who did you have to say good bye to?”843Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqB32Sqd12X
“Just take the advice Marquita and help me pack.”
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and then Add to home screen.