Page 9 of Lost Echoes

5

Kenzi

I’ve been practicing my part all day. Now I’m in a fresh gown, but it’s still no nicer than the other one. It hardly seems practical for the star performer, but I’m trying not to worry about that. I can ask Laurel once I’m backstage. She’ll know what to do.

Click.

Someone’s unlocking my dressing room door.

I spin in that direction. Maybe they have my costume. I hope not that woman pretending to be a nurse. She doesn’t seem to like me much.

In walks an impossibility. It can’t be.

I lean against the bed for support. Struggle to find words. “Claire?”

My sister has been dead for a long time, but here she is. Right in front of me.

Claire turns to me and tucks some hair behind her ears. She smiles, lines forming around her eyes as she does. “Good evening, Kenzi. My name is Dr. Hanson. You can call me Sofia if you prefer.”

Sofia? Dr. Hanson?

“What’s going on?” I study my sister with confusion.

She sets a bag on the counter. “I came in here to meet you. Hopefully I can help.”

“Are you with the stage crew?”

“Stage crew?” She pauses. “Oh, do you mean for the play?”

The doctor knows about the performance. Maybe she isn’t even really a doctor after all. Her name is fake, and she’s getting into her part. Claire has always been clever like that.

I stand straighter. “Yes, exactly! I’ve been waiting for directions all day.”

“That sounds exhausting.”

“It really is. I’m so glad you’re here, Claire.”

“Would you mind calling me Sofia? Or Dr. Hansen? That way we can get into our parts easier.”

“Definitely.” I nod vehemently. “Anything for the play.”

“Great.” She flashes me another smile. “Do you want to tell me about it?”

“Don’t you know? You have the part of the doctor.”

“I do, but I’m new. The original actor got sick, so I’m filling in.”

“That makes so much sense.” I think of my lines—the ones I’ve been practicing all day—but I can’t figure out what the storyline is. Why can’t I remember?

“Are you okay, Kenzi?” Her eyes fill with concern.

When I was little, Claire always made sure I was okay. At least until she left me alone with our parents when she went off to college.

I was so little, so defenseless.

“Kenzi?” She steps toward me.

“Why did you leave me?”