" Why are you telling me now?" Because someday somewhere someone who does know my past could come intoour lives and destroy us with that knowledge. I...needed you to knowbefore that happened, so that you would be prepared."Kevin took a deep breath and closed his eyes. "That part of your lifeis over?" Yes." You did it because you saw no other way out?" Yes." You love me and only me?" Oh yes Kevin yes."He stood up and wrapped his arms around me, "I love you too. Thank youfor being so honest with. Being hugged by a huge Wendigo was not her idea of a fun time.They each took a mask and fitted it on. The masks had flashlights built into the top strap and they all turned them on. This time, Hunter took the lead, Mira right on his heels. They passed the stair tread where the gas was dispersed but the gas mask took care of any exposure. It took only a few more seconds and they were standing on a piece of sandy ground. They were in some kind of long hallway, the stairs seeming about half way. "I'll call tomorrow... ?" Thank you Mr. Cardigan... I will chat with you tomorrow." Bye Tom." He hung up.After I placed the phone in the cradle I turned about to look at my sister, whom I had not laid eyes upon in nearly three years.Mother still had her hand upon the handle of the door and blocked her daughters entrance. If mother hated dad, she was disgusted with her daughter. Not once in our time together had she spoke of her female offspring."Let her in." I growled.Linda was a thinner,. Slowly, I stepped up to the casket.I gazed at the dream-like scene before me. The other me, the me that lay in the casket, was dressed as for her wedding. Mom had promised me her bridal gown for my wedding. Instead, she had given it to me for my burial. A white veil covered my face like a fine mist. A large bouquet of calla lilies lay in my arms.As I stared at the casket, I began to focus on the peaceful face, my face, beneath the veil. My field of vision seemed to narrow, as if, without taking.