Hannah's words shocked Heather. It was the first time Hannah had ever asked for something back.

"Hannah never dared to claim anything," Heather mused. "When did she become daring enough to demand things from me? Is this ring—no, is that man—so important to her?"

Heather's gaze shifted from the ring to her sister. "What did you say? Repeat it; I didn't hear you correctly."

Hannah knew from Heather's demeanor that her sister was angry and that she shouldn't repeat herself. The pain in her shoulder reinforced this. Yet, seeing the ring, she thought of Ralph's face and his promise of a life together. For the first time, she yearned for that life.

"Since I've come this far," she thought, "there's no use being afraid. Can being afraid make a difference?"

She bit her lip and said weakly, yet firmly, "Heather, I know you're upset, and I shouldn't be saying this. But I've never asked you for anything, talked back, or defied you. I don't ask for anything else, but that ring… it's mine. He gave it to me. I hope you can return it. I'm not asking for much. I'll be content with something that belongs to me, something I can keep."

Will I be content? she wondered. I want more, but I know it's impossible. If that's the case, won't it be nice to have something to console myself with? Hannah treasured the ring even more.

Heather snorted. "Oh, yeah? Something that belongs to you?" Her face remained impassive, but her grip on the ring tightened. Hannah had no idea her confession had enraged Heather.

To Heather, her twin was a useless appendage, offering only occasional help. She believed Hannah shouldn't have a sense of self; she was incapable of anything. The sole reason she still lives is that I need her, Heather thought. If that's the case, she shouldn't have a sense of self, let alone want to own things.

"Hannah Riggs!" Heather stood, emphasizing each syllable, her gaze piercing.

Kneeling, Hannah looked small beside her towering sister. Heather, regal and cold, looked down. "Have I been so nice to you, given you so much freedom, that you've forgotten who you are? How dare you ask me for anything? 'Things that belong to you?' Who the hell are you to own things? What things belong to you? Don't forget—you're just my shadow. A shadow doesn't deserve to own anything!" The ring began to bend under Heather's grip.

"No!"

Seeing her beloved ring deform, Hannah lunged forward, grasping Heather's arm. "Please don't, Heather! I'll do anything you say. I'll go nowhere. I won't see him again. I just want the ring. Please! I apologize! I apologize!"