Emma stumbled to the mirror in the hallway, clutching the jade pendant at her throat. Her reflection stared back—familiar, but wrong. Faint lines circled her eyes, and a scar marred her wrist that she didn't recall earning.
Her breath came in sharp gasps. "No… no, this isn't me."
But the mirror insisted it was.
She tore open the workbook, desperation spilling onto the page:
What did you do, Ethan? My world is changing. I'm changing. My memories don't match anymore.
His response appeared quickly, urgent, insistent:
I only did what you told me to. I left her behind. I chose you. Isn't this what you wanted?
Emma's tears blurred the ink. I didn't want this! I wanted the truth! I wanted the chance to forgive you—not to lose myself!