She ran outside, desperately searching for her sister's bracelet. She hurriedly glanced around; looking like she was on the verge of tears. Natalie calmly walked outside, but nothing could be done at that point. I heard her shout, "You're not her! Stop trying to be my sister! You'll never replace her!"

Soon thereafter, I walk outside and ask Natalie if I can talk to her. Natalie hesitantly agrees and goes back inside.

Now it's just me and her. "You know in the time that you've been here, you've never said a word about your sister." The tears start pooling in her eyes. "Come here, sit. talk to me." She tentatively takes a seat next to me. She takes a deep breath, "I never got to say goodbye. I...I miss her, a lot." A tear escapes the growing pool. "It's all my fault, it should've been me in that car not her!"

She bursts into tears, and I take her in my arms, trying to tell her that it wasn't her fault. Her words echo throughout the silent yard, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." I didn't mind that my shirt was getting wet; we're family now and that's what family is for, being there when you need a shoulder to cry on.

Her sobs gradually slowed down and turned into heavy breathing. The thought of sleep escaped my mind, I knew I had to stay.

I lay with her all night and awoke to her red, swollen eyes. That was the first night she didn't wake up screaming, remembering all the bad times. She looks up at me, smiles, and softly says, "Thank you." A tear escapes my eye, she wipes it away like she's the adult. Her actions bring a smile to my face. We hug again, but neither one of us wants to let go. We continue laying in each other's arms all day when she finally decides to open up to me. She told me everything, the good and bad. She tells me she's glad that she finally found someone who actually listens and cares. I tell her I'll always be here for her but she already knows.