Chapter 7

We had planned to go look at wedding dresses together, but James had an urgent matter and bailed at the last minute. I went to pick out a gown by myself.

When I left the bridal shop, a woman reeking of cooking oil grabbed my arm. "Did you see Ryan? He just walked by with an old woman in white."

"Charlotte? What happened to you?" I asked.

She used to put on makeup even to go downstairs for takeout.

Now she walked out in a wrinkled shirt, hair hanging loose, nails full of dirt.

Her skin was sallow and dry.…