Aaina 1993 -

“You have my father’s teak,” the woman said. Her lips didn’t move. The voice came from inside Meera’s own skull. “And I have his last secret.”

The next day, things changed. The aaina was gone. Her father claimed he’d sold it. But Meera noticed he wouldn’t look at her left hand. And her mother started sleeping with all the lights on. aaina 1993

Meera should have run. Instead, she whispered, “Are you lost?” “You have my father’s teak,” the woman said

The woman smiled, and her teeth were tiny, perfect mirrors. “Your father saw his wife. Your mother saw her sister who died as a child. But you, Meera—you saw a stranger. Because you have failed no one yet.” “You have my father’s teak

Meera shook her head, tears spilling.