Amanda wiped her eyes.
“I was so focused on making sure nobody blamed her that I didn’t notice she was frightened.”
I sat beside her.
“You didn’t have to blame Lily. I never wanted that.”
“I know that now.”
She turned toward me.
“I’m sorry, Jessica. For not paying attention when Lily asked me, and for pretending I had nothing to do with what happened.”
I waited.
“And I’m sorry I said you hated her,” she continued. “That was cruel. I knew how much you loved her, and I said it anyway.”
“Why?”
Amanda looked ashamed.
“Because I was embarrassed. You’re my little sister, and I couldn’t stand admitting I’d made such a stupid mistake in front of you.”
I shook my head.
“You don’t have to be perfect because you’re older than me.”
She gave a sad smile.
“I’ve spent so long acting like I know everything.”
“Well, you definitely don’t.”
