“Oh, pet, come here to me—” Mam walked straight over to her and pulled her into her arms. My mother wasn’t a tall woman at five foot four, but she still dwarfed Shannon who was barely five feet. “You’re going to be okay,” I heard Mam whisper in her ear as Shannon remained rigid. “I’m going to take care of all of you.” Shuddering, Shannon slowly relaxed and hugged my mother back. “I’m so sorry.” “Don’t be sorry, love. You did everything right tonight.” Pressing a kiss to Shannon’s head, Mam pushed her hair off her face, cupped her small face between her hands, and smiled down at her. “You and
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