I imagine people are always changing their opinions around Anabel. They must look to her whenever they state a claim, searching her face for signs of approval or rapport. She becomes their touchstone. I admired that because even when she is quiet, she is wielding. This quality, now that I had witnessed it, was one I knew I wanted to acquire. It made me feel she was important and that I wanted her to take notice of me. It got darker out, and she lit more candles. “You know what I think you could benefit from, Isa? I’ll tell you a secret. There’s a little chant I never go a day without saying to
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