“But you were going to take it from me,” she said, her voice soft but accusatory.
I nodded, feeling the shame creep in. “That was an empty threat during the fight. Then Dan pushed me to go through with it, and now I know why.”
“You’re not paying off his debt?” Phoebe asked, studying me.
“No,” I said firmly. “The only person I’d sacrifice everything for is you.”
Phoebe was quiet, staring at the ground. After a moment, she spoke. “I’m sorry for yelling at you. I’ve always felt like I was in your shadow. Katherine this, Katherine that. I was just the weird girl who made jokes.”
“Just like Mom,” I said, smiling.
“Yeah,” she agreed, a small smile forming.
“I know you couldn’t help because it was too painful for you to see her like that. Mom knew it too, which is why she always talked about you. She loved you more. That’s why I always felt like I was in your shadow,” I admitted.
Phoebe laughed softly. “Looks like Mom should’ve taken parenting lessons before having kids.”
I laughed with her.
“So, what will you do?” she asked after a pause.
“Leave Dan, give you money for your flower shop, and take that job abroad,” I said.
“Katherine,” Phoebe said, making me look at her.
“Yes?” I asked.
“I’ll be fine. And so will you,” she said.
“Yeah, I know,” I replied, pulling her into a tight hug.
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