“You’ve been protected all your life,” she ignored my question to go on, “Even in the moments you suffered. You had arms around you. People who’d die for you. People who did.”

A bitter laugh followed bitterly and harshly, “I never had that. And it made me who I am today..”

“And you think that justifies this?” I gritted my teeth.

Becca clicked her tongue gently. “Harlyn. My sweet darling. Justification is for people who want to be forgiven.”

The hollow grew choking ...