Julie Chan Is Dead

by Liann Zhang

I deserve it, don’t I? Chloe had everything while I suffered with nothing. Isn’t this karmic justice unfolding before me? Reparations for my hardships in the shape of a new, glittery influencer life? It’s not like I asked for it. The world just placed the pieces in my palm, tempting me to puzzle them together. Who knows, this might be Chloe’s final apology, her last gift for her dear twin: her life. She’d want this for me. For family. Surely. Surely. “Miss Van Huusen?” Ramos says again. It’s his fault, really. It’s Ramos’s words that seal everything. I can barely breathe as I answer, my heart blaring rapidly as I lie. “I-I think so, yeah. She always keeps her wallet in the front pocket.” The officer doesn’t question it. She goes inside, returns with the wallet, and asks me to confirm if the ID is hers. “Julie Chan?” I nod. Every crick in my neck bends and snaps.