Our triplet sister died when we were eleven—until a box arrived on our 21st birthday that revealed she might not have been gone at all.

crying when you thought I was asleep. Gia, you asked God to take you instead. Leila, you said you wished you were the sick one because you thought you were stronger.”

Leila turned toward me, stunned.

I could barely breathe.

Nora’s voice softened.

“You were both wrong. Nobody should have taken your place. You have to stay because you have lives to live.continue reading …