Only later, Desiree realized that each time she’d wavered, Stella had known exactly what to say to dissuade her from returning home. But if Stella herself wanted to stay, why hadn’t she just said so? Why hadn’t Desiree even asked? She was sixteen and self-centered, terrified that her impulsiveness would land her and her sister out on the streets. “I shouldn’t have brought you,” she said. “I should’ve just left alone.” Stella looked as shocked as if Desiree had struck her. “You wouldn’t,” she said, like it had suddenly become a possibility. “No,” Desiree said. “But I should’ve. I shouldn’t have
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