Rosa had hatched on her own but her sister, Lillium, had fought to get out. So Ruth had helped. Peeling back the shell. Cracking it further. And there, inside, was Lillium. Looking up into those weary, wary old eyes. Lillium and Rosa had bonded with Ruth. And Ruth had bonded with them. They followed her everywhere. But while Rosa thrived, Lillium grew frail. Because of Ruth. Lillium was meant to fight her way out of her shell. The struggle would make her strong. Ruth’s helping hand had weakened her. Until, late one night, Lillium had died in that same helping hand. It had confirmed all Ruth’s
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